Microsoft to shut down 'Modern' Skype Windows client on 7 July; will refocus on desktop app

Microsoft has plans to make big changes to Skype for its Windows platform. On July 7, the current ‘Modern’ version of Skype, which was released for Windows 8, will no longer be available. In place of this version, users will be redirected to to the current desktop Windows Skype client.

A post to the  Skype Garages & Updates blog  stated that, “Starting on July 7, we’re updating PC users of the Windows modern application to the Windows desktop application, and retiring the modern application.” It also pointed out that, “with the upcoming release of Windows 10 for PCs, it makes sense to use the Skype application optimized for mouse and keyboards use, capable of doing touch as well rather than 2 separate applications performing the same function.”

Windows RT device owners, such as the Surface RT and Surface 2 tablets, will not see the Modern Skype client shut down, and can still continue to use it. However,  Windows 8 and 8.1 users will be redirected to download the current desktop Skype client starting July 7.

According to an earlier report , Microsoft said its new Windows 10 operating system will be available worldwide on July 29, as a free upgrade for users of the most recent versions of Windows. Touch-friendly Windows 10, which features the return of the Start menu and will run across PCs, tablets and smartphones, is Microsoft’s latest attempt to win over mobile users and features a new browser called ‘Edge’.

It will be offered as a free upgrade to users of Windows 7 and 8.1, a strategy announced in January, designed to capture as many users as possible. Microsoft also said new PCs and tablets running Windows 10 will go on sale July 29, while Windows 10 for other devices such as smartphones would be available later this year.