Latin America. Microsoft recently announced that it will shut down Skype, the free Internet voice and video calling service, in May of this year. The service, launched in 2003, revolutionized the landline industry and offered millions of users around the world the option to call anywhere in the world for free.
However, the once-popular platform's user base dropped from 150 million at its peak to around 23 million in 2020, with the advent of other services such as FaceTime and Zoom. Skype users will still be able to use their login credentials to access Microsoft Teams, and chats and contacts will be automatically migrated to ease the transition.
With the date approaching, Acer provides some alternatives to Skype that can be considered for 2025:
1. Microsoft Teams: In announcing Skype's retirement, Microsoft stated that it would focus on its free communications and collaboration platform, Teams. Microsoft Teams offers many of the same features, such as voice and video calls, messaging, and file sharing. In addition, Teams offers a number of more advanced features, such as hosting meetings, managing calendars, and joining communities. Microsoft Teams is already widely used by individuals, schools, and businesses around the world, making it an ideal alternative to Skype.
2. Zoom: Founded in 2011 with a vision to deliver seamless video calls, Zoom has become an AI-powered collaboration platform and a recognized brand. Zoom was a popular communication method during the pandemic, as it offered individuals and businesses a way to stay connected for free. Its enterprise service, Zoom Workplace, offers features that streamline hybrid work, such as meeting rooms, workspace reservations, digital signage, and integration with mail and calendars, providing a collaborative platform that works for everyone.
3. Google Meet: Google Meet is another alternative to Skype, with tools and features for all types of users. The platform automatically adjusts the video's lighting and reduces background noise and interference, while live captions allow users to view them in real-time. Google Meet integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace so users can work together on documents and spreadsheets, and take surveys. In addition, Gemini for Google Workspace uses the power of generative AI to take notes during meetings, boosting productivity and ensuring users don't miss a single detail.
4. Chanty: Chanty is a collaboration platform that provides communication and management tools, used by more than 75,000 companies worldwide. It offers instant messaging, voice and video calls, and file sharing, boosting productivity and efficiency. The platform is intuitive and organizes tasks, conversations, pinned messages, and other content in a Teambook, allowing quick access to data at any time. It also offers a Kanban board, which offers a handy overview of tasks and ensures that colleagues meet their deadlines.
5. Cisco Webex: Cisco Webex is a video conferencing and collaboration platform that includes Webex Meetings, Webex Teams, and Webex Devices. It is a cloud-based service that allows users to collaborate using real-time voice and video calls. Cisco Webex offers numerous exciting features, such as screen sharing, meeting recording, and customizable layouts. Users can also join from multiple devices or switch devices during a call, share files, and control screens remotely. It also includes advanced privacy and security features for added peace of mind.
6. Jitsi: With more than 20 million monthly active users, Jitsi is a set of open-source projects that allow you to create and use video conferencing solutions. The Jitsi Meet video conferencing platform allows attendees to share documents, raise their hand to indicate their attention, stream lectures to YouTube, and lock rooms with passwords.
7. MiroTalk: MiroTalk SFU is a free browser-based voice and video calling service. Users can get started without downloading or logging into an account or app, allowing them to talk, message, and share the screen directly. Audio streaming includes echo cancellation and noise suppression so users can enjoy clear sound without distractions. The platform also offers a collaborative whiteboard, file sharing, and ChatGPT integrated with video AI to answer questions and connect users with helpful resources.
8. Discord: With over two hundred million users, Discord is a voice, video, and text communication app that allows you to chat with friends while playing online video games. 93% of Discord users play video games and can create virtual communities, known as servers, for specific topics or groups. The platform was launched in 2015 and is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and through web browsers.
9. WhatsApp: WhatsApp is a free messaging app owned by Meta. It allows users to send text, voice, and video messages, make voice and video calls, and share multimedia content and documents using an internet connection. The service includes end-to-end encryption, which means that only the sender and receiver can access the messages. In addition, WhatsApp Business helps entrepreneurs present their products and services to customers around the world.
10. StreamYard: StreamYard is a live streaming platform for creators, content marketers, businesses, or anyone who wants to make their voices heard. Users can multicast in up to eight destinations, interact with viewers, share their screens, and choose from seven different video design templates. StreamYard connects brands and influencers with a global community, helps entrepreneurs expand their businesses, and helps marketers reach potential customers. It can also be used as an in-browser recording studio for podcasts and interviews.
