Microsoft is retiring Skype

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Just months after a major overhaul of the app, Microsoft has announced that it is shutting down Skype. Initially launched in 2003, Skype was a pioneering program in making video calls accessible to the masses. Microsoft said in its announcement that the program will be retired on 5th May 2025.

Thankfully, all Skype users will be provided with a free consumer version of Microsoft Teams, and will be able to log into Teams with their Skype credentials. From there, Microsoft says, the user will have access to their message history, group chats, and contacts. Alternatively, if users wish to create a new account entirely, the option to export this data will be available as well.

Google adds searchable video transcripts to Drive

One feature that is being left behind with Skype is the ability to call domestic and international numbers via the app. “Part of the reason is we look at the usage and the trends, and this functionality was great at the time when voice over IP (VoIP) wasn’t available and mobile data plans were very expensive,” explains Amit Fulay, vice president of product at Microsoft, according to The Verge. “If we look at the future, that’s not a thing we want to be in.”

Media Story - https://www.svconline.com/proav-today/microsoft-retiring-skype?utm_term=FF8FF6F4-61EF-4EA2-A42E-7ACE108837B1&lrh=050c68efc1cc984ff3c0899b4810dbc13d02beb55fc8e0856a54cf06b22512bc&utm_campaign=0028F35E-226C-4B60-AC88-AB2831C8A639&utm_medium=email&utm_content=D61706CD-928F-43D9-B050-52A482127A51&utm_source=SmartBrief

British Science Week – will you be taking part in an amateur radio activity?

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British Science Week – will you be taking part in an amateur radio activity?

British Science Week starts this Friday the 7th of March and gives radio amateurs the opportunity to share their passion and knowledge of the hobby to reach new audiences. Schools including Kingsmead School in Taunton and St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, Ormskirk have radio-related activities planned for students. Clubs including South Derbyshire and Ashby Woulds Amateur Radio Group will be involved with events that are open to the public.

A Men’s Sheds group in Crowthorne and Wokingham will be active as G8EYM and would appreciate skeds, especially with other Men’s Sheds – could you arrange one with them? In another fantastic development for this year, the RSGB Outreach team has partnered with the Radio Communications Foundation to provide FM radio receiver kits for 15 school, university, scout and youth groups to build.

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ARDC to Host Community Meeting

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Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) will host a Community Meeting 15th March 2025 starting at 17:00 UTC, 1:00M Eastern Time. The meeting will take place over Zoom.

Community meetings have become a tradition at ARDC. It’s a chance for us to keep you up to date on the things that we’re working on and the grants we’ve made, and it’s an opportunity for you to share your ideas and opinions.

Sign-up for the ARDC email newsletter to receive the Zoom link via email closer to the event.

ARDC - https://www.ardc.net/