, March 1 -- Microsoft has announced that Skype, the once-popular video-calling service with hundreds of millions of users, will be discontinued in May.

Skype revolutionized online communication by enabling free computer-to-computer voice and video calls worldwide. Although not the first platform of its kind, it played a key role in popularizing internet-based calling.

In a post on X, Skype advised users to transition to Microsoft Teams, where they can continue their conversations with existing contacts. Microsoft, however, declined to comment when approached by BBC News.

Launched in 2003, Skype was acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion-the company's largest acquisition at the time. It was later integrated into Microsoft's eco...