Customer Reviews (500)

Marakho • 2025-03-27T22:58:05-07:00

I have been using Skype for more than 10 years, Skype has been an amazing app to connect across the world. I am sad to see Skype go this May and I am not a big fan of Microsoft teams, if they can make Skype work for more time would be great, because team is a meh and switching over to that would be a really meh experience. But in the end Skype has served me well and has given me funny and great memories.

Gamyhelium • 2025-03-27T17:08:07-07:00

Oh the quality of the call is great, but sometimes it cuts off, but it is worth it. I heard it was getting retired soon so I am making the best out of it! May is the last day of Skype and we will for sure miss it, and plus we will move to teams too.

Kingfishercory • 2025-03-27T15:47:57-07:00

I use this for long distance sports technique coaching sessions. It’s ideal for that. The coach can even make videos of the athlete and send them to the athlete.

Summary of Key Insights

Skype is a well-established communication app facing imminent retirement in May 2025, with users being directed to Microsoft Teams. The reviews reveal a mix of nostalgia, frustration, and acceptance. Many long-time users express sadness at Skype's impending demise, citing its ease of use and reliability for international calls. A significant concern is the forced migration to Microsoft Teams, which is often perceived as clunkier, less user-friendly, and prone to issues. The overall sentiment is mixed, with a strong undercurrent of disappointment and a sense that a valuable tool is being abandoned.

Overall Rating: High (significant proportion of 5-star reviews), but with a caveat due to the upcoming shutdown.

Score Distribution:

  • 5 stars: 60.2%
  • 4 stars: 8.8%
  • 3 stars: 6.4%
  • 2 stars: 3.4%
  • 1 star: 21.2%

Key Strengths: Ease of use (especially compared to Teams), reliability for international calls, long-standing history and familiarity. Key Weaknesses: Impending shutdown, forced migration to Teams, recent bugs (notifications, message syncing), perceived increase in scams/spam, changes in pricing for international calls (moving away from pay-as-you-go).

Data & Methodology Overview

Data Sample Size: 500 reviews Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but reviews appear to be recent, reflecting the announcement of Skype's retirement. Analysis Methods:

  • Sentiment Analysis: Categorization of reviews based on positive, negative, or neutral sentiment.
  • Keyword Extraction: Identification of frequently used words and phrases to determine common themes and issues.
  • Frequency Analysis: Counting the occurrences of specific issues and feature requests.

Key User Pain Points

  • Impending Shutdown: The most prominent pain point is the announced retirement of Skype. Users express sadness, frustration, and a sense of loss.
  • Forced Migration to Teams: A significant number of users dislike Microsoft Teams, finding it less intuitive, more complex, and buggier than Skype.
  • Recent Bugs and Glitches: Many users report issues with notifications, message syncing, app crashes, and difficulties logging in.
  • Scams and Spam: An increasing number of users complain about fake profiles, romance scams, and cryptocurrency spam.
  • Pricing Changes for International Calls: The shift from pay-as-you-go credits to monthly subscriptions for specific countries is unpopular, making international calls more expensive for infrequent users.
  • Login Issues: Users experiencing difficulties with the sign-in process, including needing to repeatedly reset passwords and being prompted to verify accounts every time the app is opened.
  • Call Quality Issues: Some users report dropped calls, poor audio quality (echoes, static), and difficulties connecting.
  • Lack of Control over Contacts: Users want more control over who can message them or add them to groups, to combat spam.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Keep Skype Alive: The most frequent "feature request" is simply for Microsoft to reconsider shutting down Skype.
  • Improved Teams Interface: If migration to Teams is unavoidable, users want Teams to be more user-friendly and resemble Skype's simplicity.
  • Return to Pay-As-You-Go International Calling: Users want the option to purchase credits for occasional international calls, rather than being forced into monthly subscriptions.
  • Enhanced Spam Filtering: Users want better tools to block and report fake profiles and spam messages.
  • Reliable Notifications and Message Syncing: Users want to ensure that notifications are delivered promptly and that messages sync correctly across devices.
  • Edit/Delete Messages: The ability to edit sent messages and delete old conversations is a recurring request.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Ease of Use (Compared to Teams): Many users praise Skype's simple and intuitive interface, especially in contrast to the perceived complexity of Microsoft Teams.
  • Reliability for International Calls: Skype has historically been a reliable and affordable option for making international calls.
  • Long-Standing History and Familiarity: Many users have been using Skype for years and have a strong sense of loyalty to the platform.
  • Video Calling Capabilities: Users appreciate Skype's video calling features for connecting with family and friends.
  • Text Translation: Some users found the text translation feature very useful.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

Given the impending shutdown, recommendations focus on mitigating user frustration and improving the transition to Teams (if inevitable).

  • High Priority:

    • Address Recent Bugs and Glitches: Fix the issues with notifications, message syncing, app crashes, and login difficulties to maintain a functional service until the shutdown.
    • Provide Clear Migration Guidance to Teams: Offer detailed instructions and support to help users migrate their contacts and data to Teams. Highlight Teams features that mirror Skype's functionality.
    • Improve Spam Filtering: Implement stronger spam filtering and reporting mechanisms to protect users from scams and unwanted messages.

  • Medium Priority:

    • Consider a "Skype Lite" Version for Teams: Explore the possibility of offering a simplified version of Teams that more closely resembles Skype's ease of use.
    • Re-evaluate International Calling Pricing: If possible, offer a flexible pay-as-you-go option for international calls within Teams.

  • Low Priority:

    • Enhance Teams Interface: While a full redesign may not be feasible, consider minor UI improvements to make Teams more intuitive.
    • Implement Message Editing/Deletion: Add the ability to edit sent messages and delete old conversations in Teams.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Nostalgia-Driven Communication App: A communication app that emulates the simplicity and user-friendliness of older versions of Skype, catering to users who prefer a more streamlined experience.
  • Enhanced International Calling Service: A service that offers affordable and flexible international calling options, including pay-as-you-go credits and transparent pricing.
  • AI-Powered Spam Filtering for Communication Apps: A service that uses AI to detect and block spam, scams, and fake profiles in communication apps, providing users with a safer and more secure experience.
  • Simplified Video Conferencing Platform: A video conferencing platform that prioritizes ease of use and reliability, targeting individuals and small businesses who find existing solutions too complex.

Trends and Observations

  • Strong Negative Sentiment Towards Teams: A recurring theme is the dislike of Microsoft Teams, with users consistently comparing it unfavorably to Skype.
  • Nostalgia and Loyalty to Skype: Many long-time users express a deep connection to Skype, highlighting its role in their personal and professional lives.
  • Frustration with Microsoft's Handling of Skype: There is a perception that Microsoft has mismanaged Skype, allowing it to decline in quality and ultimately deciding to shut it down.
  • Global Usage: Reviews come from various countries and languages, reflecting Skype's international user base.
  • Impact on Elderly Users: Several reviews mention the negative impact of the shutdown and increased complexity on elderly users who rely on Skype to stay connected with family.

Conclusion

The analysis of Skype app reviews reveals a user base facing the imminent loss of a familiar and valued communication tool. The forced migration to Microsoft Teams is met with resistance due to concerns about usability, complexity, and reliability. While the shutdown may be unavoidable, Microsoft should prioritize addressing recent bugs, providing clear migration guidance, and improving spam filtering to mitigate user frustration. Opportunities exist for new communication apps that prioritize simplicity, affordability, and security.

Overall Recommendation: Given the impending shutdown, focus on damage control and facilitating a smooth transition to Teams (if inevitable). Long-term, consider the lessons learned from Skype's decline and the unmet needs of its users when developing future communication products.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/skype/id304878517?uo=2