Microsoft has made a surprising change to Skype by removing all ads from the messaging platform. This update, currently available to Insiders, aims to provide users a smoother, distraction-free experience. By doing this, Microsoft is prioritizing user experience over advertising revenue.
Skype says goodbye to ads; an example to follow.
The Skype team has announced that the latest update removes all ads from the platform. This includes ads in news articles, Skype Channels, and the “Today” view that featured the Microsoft Start news feed.
In contrast, other free Microsoft products, such as the web version of Outlook and the Outlook mobile app, have recently introduced ads. These ads are displayed unless users have a Microsoft 365 subscription. The Channels tab in Outlook Mobile also includes the Microsoft Start news feed with advertisements.
Despite Skype taking a backseat to other products like Teams, it continues to receive regular updates. Notable new features include Bing chatbot integration and a revamped AI-powered image creation experience on the desktop.
Additionally, Skype is simplifying the sign-in process on iOS devices with support for OneAuth, a feature already available on Android. Mobile users who sign in to any Microsoft app on their devices will automatically be signed in to Skype.
The removal of ads and these new improvements show that Microsoft is still investing in Skype, offering a cleaner and more efficient user experience. This update could mark a new beginning for the platform, attracting users looking for a distraction-free communication tool. It would be great if Microsoft applied this approach to all their products.
