Skype, a popular messaging and video chatting software, has decided to discontinue support for Android platform devices running on below Android 4.0.3 after October 2016. However, you will be able to work with the web-based version of the Skype directly from your browser in addition to Windows 7, 8, XP, Vista, Yosemite on Mac, iOS 8 and Android 4.03 operating systems.
Commenting on the development, Microsoft’s Skype chief Gurdeep Pall revealed in its official support portal that they had started the transition from peer-to-peer based architecture to mobile friendly cloud-based architecture. Moreover, the company is committed to making sure that previous versions of Windows are not affected with this drop of support.
This technique has enabled us to enhance the functionality of the features such as file sharing, video messaging, video calling, Skype translator including Skype bots. Moreover, the product team was able to incorporate new security features into the latest release of Skype.
In a statement, Skype announced that some platforms would not be supported after October 2016, but you will be able to make use of the service directly from within your browser.
Pall, meanwhile, added that the devices and operating systems used by the majority of users had faced a substantial shift. Many people have abandoned their PCs and are on the go. Hence, it is important for the Skype to make sure that the security of users is not compromised in any manner. Hence, they are dropping support for older versions of Android since they are not optimized to address the latest security concerns.
Based on the growing commitment to deliver the best possible cross-platform experiences, the Skype product team has been continuously working to increase the focus on the mobile platforms of the future. Pall also added that the Skype would be soon refreshed with an update for Android 5.0 and higher which will have improved security features.
To address the growing challenges, it is imperative that support to some devices with older operating systems are discontinued. This will help product team to concentrate for the future mobile platforms.
In future, you can expect faster, lighter and responsive Skype for Windows 10, Skype for iPhone, iPad and Android including a web-based native version of Skype for previous Windows operating systems, Mac and Linux.
Immediate Attention
If you are using any device (smartphone or tablet) running on below Android 4.0.3, you should immediately migrate to another device with the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop or Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Alternatively, you can also verify the list of supported platforms on the official Skype support page.
