Skype (VoIP service)

Service audience

2018: Daily and Monthly Audience

2015

According to Microsoft statistics, by the end of September 2015, Skype makes calls with a total duration of more than 3 billion minutes every day, and Skype Translator allows you to translate voice messages into 6 different languages.

2013: Number of users per month - over 300 million

The number of monthly users using the Skype Internet telephony service exceeded 300 million, Tami Reller, financial and marketing director of Windows, said at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in July 2013.

2011:663 million users, of which 8.8 million used paid services

• In March 2011, the service had 663 million registered users, of which only 8.8 million used paid services. By the end of 2011, Skype plans to reach an annual revenue of $1 billion. In 2011, the company intends to continue expanding the staff. Skype notes that they do not guarantee the preservation of the previous rates of revenue growth, as well as the company's profit, due to the existence of a number of standard risks and uncertainties.

Income growth is expected, firstly, due to the growth of the subscriber base (which is the result of the spread of broadband Internet access). Secondly, thanks to more active promotion of paid services than the company plans to do. Third, Skype plans to increase the number of corporate users. Finally, the latter - she intends to find new ways to generate revenue, including through advertising.

By May 2011, when Microsoft bought Skype for $8.5 billion, the Internet service earned 5% of revenue in the United States from videos.

Skype chief executive Tony Bates promised in May 2011 that video ads would be the main source of revenue in the future.

Skype for Business

Main article: Skype for Business

2024: Blocking Palestinian accounts

Microsoft has permanently banned some Palestinians living abroad from using its systems to call relatives in the Gaza Strip. This became known in July 2024.

According to BBC News, who spoke to 20 Palestinians living outside the Gaza Strip, they cannot call their relatives using the Skype messenger owned by Microsoft. It turned out that the company blocks services to customers who indicate the residence of the Gaza Strip.

Microsoft has permanently banned some Palestinians living abroad from using its systems to call relatives

Skype's phone call feature sets it apart from some competitors and has been described as a "lifeline" for those trying to make sure relatives are safe in conflict zones. However, using it for this purpose can be risky.

Microsoft blocks and erases accounts of users who used Skype to contact relatives in Gaza. In some cases, decades-old email accounts have been blocked, leading to restricted access to bank accounts, OneDrive storage and beyond.

A resident of the United States, Salah Elsadi, lost his account, which he used for more than 15 years.

I've had this Hotmail for 15 years. They banned me for no reason, claiming I had breached their terms - what conditions? Tell me. I filled out about 50 forms and called them many, many times.

She [the account] was linked to all my work. They killed my life online.

Skype blocking can occur in response to suspected fraudulent activity, a Microsoft spokesperson told the BBC.[1]

2021: Redesign Planning

On September 28, 2021, it became known that Microsoft is planning a large-scale redesign of Skype with the addition of functions to the desktop and mobile versions of it. It is also going to optimize the performance of Skype for Android by 2000%. At the same time, Microsoft has been systematically destroying Skype for years - ending support for classic and corporate versions of the messenger and actively promoting its direct competitor, Teams.

As reported, Microsoft is preparing an update to its Skype messenger, which it bought in 2011. According to the portal The Verge, this will not be another ordinary update, only slightly modernizing Skype, but a global update that even includes a redesign.

Microsoft has published several teaser images that clearly demonstrate what Skype will turn into after installing the upcoming update. The developers also want to optimize the performance of the messenger, especially its Android version, although the PC version should also start working faster and more stable.

The main change that Skype is waiting for is a redesigned video call mode. Apparently, Microsoft is betting on it because the coronavirus pandemic has made its own adjustments to the work of many companies and educational institutions, and now meetings, lectures, lessons and ordinary workdays are increasingly held precisely in video conferencing mode.

When exactly it is worth waiting for the release of the updated Skype, Microsoft has not yet specified. Perhaps the latest version of the messenger will be released on October 5, 2021 simultaneously with Windows 11 and Office 2021. It is also possible that Microsoft will not add all the updated options to one release and distribute them among several updates.

Skype video call mode will receive additional themes and styles. This will give users working or students remotely the opportunity to even more creatively approach the issue of hiding clutter and an uncleared bed from interlocutors in the background.

In addition, after the update, the messenger will show on one screen all participants in the video conference, including those who have not activated the camera. This will allow you to always be aware of who is currently connected to the conversation. Participants in this mode will be placed on a grid. Another addition will be the "Together" mode. Its activation will allow all conference participants to be transferred to a single virtual space.

After the update, the Skype interface will be designed in the Fluent Design style. This is a full-fledged design philosophy that Microsoft has been gradually introducing into its products since 2017, but still cannot completely switch to it. In general, Fluent Design optimizes the visual design of programs without compromising their style and beauty. In the case of Skype, Microsoft is preparing colorful themes with gradient effects, an improved side panel on mobile devices and other decorations.

As for performance, Microsoft intends to improve this figure by more than 2000% in the case of Skype for Android, writes The Verge. This will affect some "key scenarios," and it is not yet clear how Microsoft is going to achieve such an impressive increase. With the desktop version in this regard, everything is dozens of times more modest. Its performance will grow by only 30%.

Microsoft is also committed to supporting all browsers in future changes to Skype.

We believe Skype should be uninterrupted and accessible regardless of which browser or device the user is using, so we are adding support for all browsers. stated developers

Among other upcoming changes in Skype, The Verge specialists highlighted the TwinCam function. Microsoft has not yet explained its practical benefits, and it remains unclear how it can be applied in video conferencing mode. TwinCam allows you to stream video simultaneously from the front and main cameras of your mobile device, smartphone or tablet, during a call. This feature will be added to Skype in the next few months^[2]

2020

Video calls without downloading the application and creating an account

In early April 2020, Microsoft launched a new feature for Skype - Skype Meet Now. It allows you to make video calls without downloading the application and creating an account.

To take advantage of the innovation, you need to visit the official website and create a conference there by clicking on the corresponding button. After that, you can connect people to the conversation using a simple link or the "Share" button. 

Invited participants, when clicking on the link, will launch an application (if they use the service) or a Skype web client running in Chrome or Microsoft Edge browsers.

The validity time of invitation links is not limited, as well as the functionality of Meet Now calls : chat, screen demonstration , recording of calls, etc. are also available here. 

The Skype Meet Now tool has been available to test program members since December 2019. In April 2020, the company began ubiquitous distribution of the service, which will be available around the world in a short time.

Microsoft notes that despite the company's great attention to the corporate messenger Microsoft Teams, which has integrated tools for organizing voice calls and video conferencing, there is a significant increase in the popularity of Skype, which is facilitated by the difficult situation in the world associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meet Now in Skype is ideal for your phone conferences, webinars or work interviews, Microsoft noted.

Also, within the framework of Skype Meet Now, background blur and conference recording functions have appeared. The recording of conferences and notes for them is saved for 30 days.

The launch of Skype Meet Now took place after Microsoft reported a 70 percent increase in Skype use in March 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic.^[3]

Testing DeviceLock DLP when using Zoom VKS and Skype messenger

On March 30, 2020, it became known that the company DeviceLock Russian , the developer of the anti-anti system, data breaches DeviceLock DLP conducted additional testing of its solution when using services videoconferences Zoom messenger and Skype. More. here

2019

Version 8.55

On December 18, 2019, it became known that the company released Microsoft an updated version applications Skype for platforms Windows 10:,,,,. Linux macOS Android iOS In addition to multiple fixes, messenger VoIP features also appeared in version 8.55 and -client, in particular Meet Now. It allows the user to start a video or audio session with another person, even if he does not have a Skype account or the application itself.

A message published on the Skype support portal says that the rollout of the update started on December 10, 2019 and is being carried out in stages. Over the next few days, all Skype users will have access to the updated features.

To take advantage of this feature, the initiator of the conversation just needs to press the Meet Now button located above the contact list, as a result of which a unique short invitation link will be automatically generated. This link is enough to send to all participants in the upcoming conversation, and then press the Start Call button.

You can join the conversation simply by clicking on the link, while not having an account, but with the Skype application installed, users will join the session communications as guests. If there is no application, users of mobile platforms will be asked to install it from the corresponding application store. In desktops OS , in such a situation, it will be launched, and a browser web version of Skype will open in it. By the way, it is impossible to create a session through Meet Now in the web version launched in 2015, Skype for December 2019.

According to information published on the product support page, records of Meet Now conversations are saved by the service for 30 days, and media files are stored sent through text chat and even longer (no specific dates are specified).

Another notable innovation in the release was the ability to send voice messages similar to how it is done in other messengers, for example, in Telegram. In order to send a voice message to Skype for Windows, you need to find the desired chat (group) or contact in the contact list, select it, then click on the microphone icon, and then recording will begin.

The maximum duration of such a message is 2 minutes. The sent record can be deleted by right-clicking on it and selecting the corresponding item of the context menu.

It is worth noting that this function was present in the mobile version of the application even before the current update. Now users of desktop operating systems have the opportunity to share their thoughts via Skype in audio format .

In addition, the Skype for Android version has added the ability to scan documents using a smartphone camera directly from Skype. The program will automatically process the image so that the document can be studied as conveniently as possible.

Bugs have been fixed and a number of improvements have been made: now the Skype icon is correctly displayed in the notification area after launching the application, support for automatic detection of the dark theme of Windows 10 has been added, and the operation of the split screen mode has been improved^[4].

Skype forced to register as a telecom operator

In August 2019, Microsoft officially registered Skype as a telecommunications operator. This was done after the Court of Justice of the European Union two months earlier.

He ruled that the SkypeOut service, which allows calls from personal computers to mobile and landline numbers, is technically an electronic communication service (ECS), so it must be controlled by telecommunications regulators in Europe. SkypeOut was recognized by the court as an ECS service, as it can be used to make paid calls on public networks.

Skype says that the company remains only a software provider that does not transmit signals itself, does not provide any electronic communication services and is subject to other rules. The case was brought by Belgian regulators, who previously fined Skype.

As a result of the loss, Skype cases were registered with the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) of the Netherlands, and the service became subject to stricter telecom market rules. The fine that the European authorities previously imposed on the company has been canceled.

According to ACM board member Henk Don, the court's verdict shows that services such as SkypeOut must follow Telecommunications Act regulations set for other providers.

We urge companies to tell us if they offer a similar service, 'he revealed

At the end of 2018, a directive establishing the European Code of Electronic Communications came into force. The new Code aims to harmonize telecommunications regulation in Europe. The code includes extending the scope of the regulatory framework to provide over-the-top (OTT) services, which have similar functionality to traditional telecommunications services. ^[5]

Wiretapping by third-party contractors

On August 7, 2019, it became known that some Skype user conversations were being listened to by third-party contractors attracted by Microsoft. The company claims that these actions are carried out with the consent of users, and people cannot be identified from records.

Microsoft contractors, on anonymity, provided Motherboard with internal documentation, screenshots and fragments of user calls that contain conversations about relationships and other confidential topics. 

The interlocutor of the publication said that he listened to Skype recordings of "sex on the phone" and heard how users call the voice assistant Cortana their full address of residence and use it to search for pornography.

Parts of Skype calls that access the built-in translator are listened to. This tool translates the speech of the interlocutors into a given language during a call and displays it in the form of text. Microsoft hires people to listen to recordings of conversations in order to improve the translator, since it is based on machine learning algorithms. Contractors receive fragments of conversations and translation options from which they must choose the most accurate. Sometimes they write a translation on their own.

Microsoft responded to the publication about listening to customers and stated the following:

Microsoft collects voice data to provide and enhance voice services such as search, voice commands, dictation or translation services. We are committed to being transparent about voice data collection and use so customers can make informed choices about when and how their voice data is used. Microsoft gets permission from clients before collecting and using their voice data.[6]

2018

The appearance of "live" subtitles

In early December 2018, Microsoft introduced the function of displaying subtitles in real time for PowerPoint and Skype. The innovation allows you to convert the speaker's speech into text and instantly display it on the screen.

By December 4, 2018, "live" subtitles are available on Skype during individual or group calls, as well as calls to phone numbers. In a few weeks, according to Microsoft, the application will translate real-time subtitles into more than 20 languages ​ ​ and dialects, including Russian.

Subtitles can be activated and used during a single call or configured to work by default. They respond to speech in real time and are continuously updated as they talk. By the time of the announcement, the subtitle functions automatically change during the conversation, and in the future it will be possible to view the conversation text in a separate window.

Subtitles in PowerPoint are based on artificial intelligence technologies, which allows not only to convert the speaker's statements into text and display them on the screen with a presentation in real time, but also to translate them into other languages.

The appearance of "live" subtitles in the program will help simplify the perception of content and communication for hearing impaired or speaking different languages ​ ​ of people. In addition, the speaker will be able to customize the appearance and location of subtitles to make them most convenient for the presenter and audience.^[7]

By early December 2018, PowerPoint supports spoken language recognition in 12 languages and its text translation in 60 languages. The real-time subtitle output feature is available in the beta version of the new version of the program, and its appearance for everyone is scheduled for early 2019.

Microsoft notes that "live" subtitles will help people with violation of rumors (by the end of 2018, their number in the world reaches 466 million people) to fully communicate.

Encrypt Skype calls and chats

On August 20, 2018, Skype introduced end-to-end encryption, which has been tested since January. It allows users to text and call in protected mode.

All messages and calls in a personal conversation are encrypted before it ends. Encrypted chat is available to the user only on the device on which he started it: if he goes from computer to smartphone, he will have to start a new conversation, all messages sent and received, and files will remain on the computer.

End-to-end encryption has been added to the versions of the Skype messenger for iOS, Android, Linux, macOS and Windows.

To take advantage of the innovation on a mobile device, you cannot do the following steps:

• Click the new chat icon.
• Select from the Private Conversation list.

The fact that Skype will have an end-to-end encryption function became known in January 2018. Then Microsoft began to develop the technology in collaboration with Signal. 

Signal, as its goal, sets the ubiquity and simplification of the principle of private communication of users. A distinctive feature of the encryption protocol is its openness, thanks to which WhatsApp, Google, Facebook and Signal itself have already integrated it into their messaging platforms.^[8] 

As Fortune notes, decentralized end-to-end encryption can impede attempts by the government, law enforcement agencies and anyone to interfere with user correspondence, restore communication history, or intercept messages.

Since the launch of Skype, information security experts have repeatedly complained and warned of possible threats related to the fact that the service developers do not disclose the fundamental security technology that is used in the messenger.

Implementing Call Recording

On July 16, 2018, Microsoft announced the introduction of Skype call recording. Saved copies of audio and video sessions will be stored in the cloud, so service users will be able to access them from any device.

The built-in mechanism for recording conversations via voice and video communication in Skype will be implemented gradually, starting from the end of July 2018. The technology will run on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux platforms.

First, Microsoft will thoroughly test and refine the long-awaited function, if necessary, and only after that the recording of calls will be open to everyone. For this option, money will be charged on.

All participants in the conversation will receive a notification that the conversation is being recorded. Thus, it will not be possible to record the conversation unnoticed from the interlocutor.

Files will contain video from all cameras, as well as all content shown during the conversation (for example, computer desktops).

As noted by The Verge, we are talking about the largest Skype update since the launch of the service in 2003. Microsoft never allowed calls to be recorded inside the messenger, and users had to use third-party applications. 

In addition to recording calls, the updated Skype will receive features such as encrypted calls and an invitation to general chats via links. In addition, now the user will be able to see which of the participants in the conversation read his message.^[9] 

At the same time, Microsoft announced the termination of support for classic Skype 7.0 on September 1, 2018. The company recommends updating all users of this version of the messenger. Microsoft points to the need to "close old services and applications" in order to keep up with the times and current requirements.

Microsoft disables older versions of Skype on Windows 10

In May 2018, it became known about the termination of older versions of Skype for the Windows 10 operating system. Microsoft has asked messenger users to update it.

Users of Windows 10 need to install the most current version of Skype in order to continue using the service and not lose any data. You need to update before May 25, 2018, otherwise installing the latest version of Skype after this period may lead to the fact that you will have to use the messenger from scratch. That is, in particular, all correspondence will be lost.

We noticed that you are using a version of Skype for Windows 10 that will no longer work after May 25, 2018. During the update, the history of previous conversations may suffer. If you need help backing up your chat, please contact us. Can't update? Give us more information, says an email Microsoft is sending to Skype users.

It is no coincidence that Microsoft chose May 25 as the day for disabling older versions of Skype. Then the European Regulation for the Protection of Personal Data (GDPR) will come into force, which imposes restrictions on the business processes of organizations in the field of working with personal data. Large social networks and instant messengers, including Skype, are preparing with might and main for innovations. Thus, WhatsApp previously announced the update of the user agreement in connection with the entry into force of the GDPR.

Microsoft's intentions to delete user data in older versions of Skype are probably related to this policy. The company offers quite convenient ways to keep the program up to date, so abandoning previous versions will probably not have a big impact on users around the world, Softpedia notes.^[10]

Skype switched to corporate clients and loses ordinary users

Since the purchase of Skype in 2011, Microsoft has been systematically reorienting it to corporate customers. Ordinary users are unhappy with the changes in the once most popular online call service and are switching to competing platforms. This was reported in early May 2018 by Bloomberg.

According to the publication, a sharp surge in negative user reviews about Skype occurred after the service was updated in the summer of 2017. People began to complain that the application had become complex and less intuitive. Other frequent complaints include poor communication quality and high power consumption of the mobile version of Skype.

Well-known blogger Brian Krebs said in his Twitter account in early 2018 that the redesign was the worst in the history of Skype, and that the latest version of the application is a complete misunderstanding. The message was supported by numerous retweets and likes by other users.^[11]

An even sharper assessment in March 2018 was given by technology investor and columnist Om Malik. Not shy in expressions, he wrote on Twitter that Microsoft made "first-class shit" out of Skype, and promised never to use the app again.^[12]

Microsoft considers criticism exaggerated. In an interview with the publication, Skype general manager Lori Wright said that the redesign was indeed radical, and that the company was preparing for negativity. But as time passed, the reaction faded, and now "users no longer feel hate," she added.

Meanwhile, the corporation has not disclosed data on the number of Skype users since 2016, when it was at the level of 300 million. Analysts suspect that the indicator, at best, has not changed, and two former Microsoft employees, in an interview with Bloomberg, said that the company is feeling panic due to the falling popularity of the service. According to them, at none of the corporate events in 2017 did they hear that the figure of more than 300 million was called in statistics about Skype users.^[13]

Mat ban

At the end of March 2018, Microsoft announced the ban on obscene language in Skype and other services. Users swearing obscenities will be blocked. The new rules come into force in May 2018.

In the "Rules of Conduct" section, Microsoft indicated the duties of users "not to publicly display or use services to send inappropriate content or material (including, for example, nudity, bestiality, pornography, offensive language, violent scenes or criminal activity) or content or material that is contrary to local laws."

In case of violation of these rules, Microsoft will apply severe penalties - up to blocking the account.

The new requirements also apply to the Xbox Live gaming service. Swearing gamers risk losing their content licenses, Xbox gold membership and all the money stored on their Microsoft accounts. The following projects also fall under tightening requirements:

• Windows Live Mail;
• Office 365;
• Bing;
• Cortana;
• Windows Store.

The company did not specify which words would be considered offensive. It is also unknown how Microsoft is going to catch violators: it is possible that users will have the opportunity to complain about the obscene language of the interlocutor or the company will enter a block when swear words appear in the correspondence. It is not clear whether the innovation concerns voice conversations in Skype, but Microsoft previously stated that the company does not eavesdrop on conversations.

Microsoft reserved the right to block the exchange of incoming or outgoing information on the user's devices. This rule applies to instant messages, e-mail, and shared files.^[14]

A vulnerability that requires code correspondence

In February 2018, it became known that Microsoft confirmed the existence of a vulnerability in Skype, which, according to the company, cannot be fixed without code correspondence. So users will have to work with the service at their own fear.

After installation on a computer, Skype uses a built-in update mechanism that ensures that software versions are up-to-date. When this update installer starts, it runs another executable for the Skype update. This file is just susceptible to hacking.

A critical breach in Skype was discovered by a researcher in the field cyber security , Stefan Kanthak. He said that the Skype update process can be maliciously modified to inject an infected DLL into the application. And  Windows although macOS there are no DLLs, the same operation can be done on macOS or, the Linux expert warns.

According to the Internet edition ZDNet, using the DLL interception method, attackers can deceive the application and inject malicious code instead of a legitimate library.

As part of a cyberattack, a malicious DLL file is loaded into a temporary folder, then renamed to an existing DLL that can be modified by an unprivileged user, such as UXTheme.dll. The bug is that the process of searching for the desired library application first detects a malicious DLL.

According to Stefan Kanthak, he notified Microsoft of the vulnerability back in September 2017, but the company said that eliminating the flaw requires "a large amount of code revision." Microsoft also said that programmers were able to "reproduce the exploitation of the vulnerability," but it can only be eliminated in the new version of the product, and not in a simple security update. Instead of releasing the patch, Microsoft has focused "all resources" on creating a new client, Kanthak noted, referring to a message received from the American software giant.^[15]

2017

Launching Professional Accounts

On November 14, 2017, Microsoft announced the launch of professional Skype accounts for small business owners and educators. Called Skype Professional Account, these accounts simplify your online business with features such as meeting, making payments, and recording.

Skype Professional Account should not be confused with the version of Skype for Business, which includes features such as 250 people participating in a single video conference, online streaming, presentation tools and deep integration with Microsoft Office applications. The launched Skype accounts for professionals provide many opportunities aimed at those who earn money via the Internet, for example, career instructors or those who remotely give guitar lessons.

Typically, a teacher giving online lessons uses a combination of different platforms for Skype learning, Microsoft said. For example, arranges classes by e-mail, uses an interactive calendar such as Outlook to create lesson schedules and third-party services (PayPal to pay for services, etc.). Microsoft development will allow such users to perform these tasks using just one application.

Microsoft also said that, in addition to payment and organizational functions, Skype Professional Account users will be able to fill out their profile page in more detail. In addition, along with finding friends and groups, Skype will soon be able to search for companies.

Skype online training accounts will help thousands of service providers contact their customers and improve business efficiency, the manufacturer says.^[16]

At first, professional accounts will be available only in the desktop version of Skype in the United States. Users will be able to connect them for free. The company does not report plans to further launch the service.

Cortana Availability

The virtual assistant Cortana became available in Skype on iOS and Android platforms, Microsoft announced on October 10, 2017. Thanks to contextual analysis of messages in the chat, Cortana will be able to offer the user useful information, for example, the nearest restaurant or the most convenient movie session. Read more here.

Radical design update

Microsoft began in May 2017 to implement a radically updated Skype application interface on the Android platform, which the media characterizes as "similar to Snapchat and Instagram." Skype for iOS, Windows and Mac will also receive a design update in the near future. First, mobile versions will be deployed, then desktop ones.

The company positions the new product as the "next generation of Skype." "This is the biggest change in Skype since 2006, when we added the video," said Microsoft Skype Corporate Vice President Amritansh Raghav. According to him, the messenger ceased to be primarily a chat for two interlocutors and became "primarily a mobile, primarily cloud" application^[17].

Main features

The interface focuses on the exchange of messages of various types, writes The Verge. Easy access to emoji was added to the chat, which allows you to send them to your interlocutor right during communication via video link. You can also easily drag data from the Stubhub and Expedia add-ons into the conversation window if the user wants to quickly share airline prices or buy a ticket for an event with the interlocutor. In addition, a number of add-ons are available, including Giphy, BigOven, Upworthy and YouTube - they can be used to quickly find the right video or gif image.

The messenger window was divided into three sections: search, chat and snapshot field. Thus, search on the Internet can now be carried out right during the conversation, including a video call. The default search engine is Bing. The new Skype also features more in-depth personalization - the user can choose colors and icons depending on the mood.

The biggest innovation was the snapshot field. With its help, you can activate the smartphone camera and take a photo or video without interrupting communication, so that you can send it to your interlocutor later. The shooting process, as well as the ability to add a sticker, text or mark directly to a photo or video, is very similar to Snapchat, writes The Verge.

Skype for Android

On February 17, 2017, Microsoft announced the release of Skype for Android. The product contains a number of differences from the current version.

In Skype Preview, during a video call, the user can take photos with the camera smartphone and search in. Internet According to statements MEDIA, in the integration of emoji and pictures into the session video conference , Skype makes it similar to the company's product of the same name. Snapchat

As of February 17, 2017, the application is available only to members of the Skype Insiders program, which Microsoft organized in November 2016 to test preliminary versions of^[18] product^[18]

Skype Preview supports voice and video calls, conference organization, text messaging and file exchange. The Bing search system is built into the chat - the user can search the Internet during a chat or video session. Search results can be shared with others.

During a chat or video call, the user can use the smartphone camera, access to which is integrated into Skype Preview. Photos can be sent to interlocutors.

Skype Preview integrates the GIF search service Giphy. Also, this release has the opportunity to "respond" through emoji or "vote" for messages in a common chat. Add emoji, pictures, and text features have been added to the video session.

The Skype Preview interface has undergone changes, and the design has shifted towards the version of Skype for Windows 10. The application is based on Facebook's React Native platform, which allows you to write mobile applications exclusively in JavaScript. According to observers, we should expect a version of Skype for iOS.

2016

Launch of simultaneous translation into Russian

On October 11, 2016, Skype launched the function of simultaneous translation into Russian. This is stated in a press release received by TAdviser from Microsoft (owns Skype).

  Skype Translator's real-time simultaneous call and instant messaging technology has received support for the Russian language in addition to English, Spanish, Chinese (mandarin), Italian, French, Portuguese (Brazilian), German and Arabic (when exchanging messages, translation is available in more than 50 languages).

Simultaneous speech translation during video calls is possible both from Russian to other languages, and in the opposite direction.

Thanks to the new Skype Translator feature, Russian-speaking users can freely communicate with friends, relatives and colleagues from all over the world, easily breaking the language barrier, Microsoft said in a statement.

Skype Translator translation is available to users of computers running Windows 7 and above. Users of devices based on Windows 10 Anniversary Update will be able to translate automatically, owners of earlier versions of the operating system must include the function in the menu.

Skype Translator is based on machine learning technology. This means that the service is being independently improved as it is used: the more people use it to communicate, the higher the quality of translation will be, Microsoft explains.

The Microsoft Translator platform, which is the basis of the Skype translator, is also used in other products of the corporation, such as the Bing translator, Microsoft Translator applications for Android and iOS, as well as a special Microsoft Translator Speech API.

Skype for Browser does not require registration

On November 15, 2016, Microsoft announced the inclusion in Skype for a browser of the possibility of creating a 24-hour guest account that does not require registration with the system. The guest can invite other users to the conversation by passing them a special link by mail or through the messenger.

The function is available in the Skype for Browser application, which can be used in the browser window without installing the program on your computer.

An unregistered user can go to the Skype.com, click the "Start Conversation" button and enter any name. The system will issue a link to the chat, which must be sent to other users by mail or otherwise. Any user who came via the link will join the conversation. The interlocutor does not have to have a registration in the system^[19].

The functionality of Skype for a browser previously allowed an invitation to a chat or conference of other users using a link, but only a registered user could send such a link.

The guest account allows you to invite up to 300 users to chat, up to 25 to a voice or video conference. Your account is valid for 24 hours.

Skype for Browser Features

Skype for Browser is a version of Skype that does not require installing the program on your computer. It was presented in November 2014. The launch of the service took place in June 2015. The application supports Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox and Safari browsers.

In 2016, Skype for Browser received a number of updates that equalized it with stationary software of the same name. Added the ability to call mobile and home phones, including abroad, if you have funds in your account. There is a function for previewing an image or YouTube video directly in the chat and the ability to invite an interlocutor by link.

Scientists have learned to hack computers using the sounds of keystrokes via Skype

In October 2016, scientists from the University of California at Berkeley published a study showing that attackers can eavesdrop on keyboard presses using Skype. Russian experts believe that the problem is relevant for other services, including those used by corporate clients. Read more here.

Web Version Upgrade

On March 16, 2016, Microsoft announced the release of an upgraded web version of Skype, which included features in demand by users^[20].

Some additions:

• from the browser, you can call cell and landline phones if the user has Skype credits or an active subscription on his balance sheet.
• provides the ability to view the video received from YouTube without leaving Skype, with all available controls.
• Improved URL mapping, which helps you see sent images inside Skype.
• You can add users to the conversation, even if they are not in Skype, this functionality works in the Windows version of the application. This is implemented by creating a URL that must be sent to the user being added.
• notifications - they will help you not to miss messages and calls. They will appear even if another browser, application is open or you are logged into a Skype account in a browser.

The company promised the distribution of functionality in the near future.

2014

Skype Translator Simultaneous Translation Service

On December 16, 2014, Microsoft [1] announced a preliminary version of Skype Translator, a service that provides simultaneous speech translation during calls, in the Big blog. Already today, users of PCs and tablets running OCWindows 8.1 or Windows 10 Technical Preview can register on the official Skype Translator Preview website and take advantage of the opportunity to experience simultaneous translation in Skype.

At this stage, Skype Translator supports English and Spanish for calls, as well as more than 40 languages ​ ​ for instant messaging. The preliminary version will provide an opportunity to test the program, improve the languages ​ ​ used and receive feedback from real users.

Skype Translator is a clear example of Microsoft's effective investment in future technology research. The company has worked for more than 10 years to study and develop algorithms for voice recognition, automatic translation and machine learning. Today, it is clear that these achievements have become an integral part of the new era of personalized devices, according to the company's blog.

Skype Translator is based on machine learning technology. This means that the service improves on its own as it is used, and the more people work with it in the process of communicating with each other, the higher the quality of translation. Skype Translator combines the capabilities of speech recognition and machine translation, which ensures a smooth transition from recognized text to ready-made translation. In addition, in the process, Skype Translator erases parasite words, divides text into sentences, and applies punctuation rules.

The source materials for Skype Translator training were various resources, such as translated web pages and video materials, as well as translated and decrypted dialogues. Skype Translator records conversations and analyzes them, thus teaching the system a specific foreign language. When you say something, the application is able to recognize similarities in the structure of words and, using previously learned forms of converting sounds into speech, translate into a foreign language.

As a result of large-scale research in the field of speech recognition, automatic translation and machine learning technologies, it was possible to create a product that in the future is designed to change the approach to communication between people and break down language barriers. Using the pre-release version of Skype Translator can improve simultaneous translation techniques and take another step towards a new model of communication for people around the world.

Skype allows you to secretly watch the interlocutor

The problem in Skype makes it easy to organize wiretapping and monitoring the interlocutor unnoticed by him. This was announced by a user with the nickname Ponkers on the social site Reddit. He called it a "nightmare dream" of people paying increased attention to protecting their personal lives^[21] the^[22].

To take advantage of this feature, you must have two devices with Skype. On both devices, A must log in to the same Skype account. Both devices must be connected to the network. Subscriber A then calls Subscriber B, who has an Android device. During dialing (when beeps go), subscriber A disconnects the device from which the call was made from the network. After that, the Android device of subscriber B will automatically call back to the second device of subscriber A, on which he also logged into his account. When subscriber A goes off-hook, voice and video communication will be established between the devices, and he will be able to hear and see everything that happens at the other end of the line. The second interlocutor may not know about this.

Ponkers said it found a problem when using the target device on Android. He does not know if this method can be used with sets on other platforms. He also said that he was not always able to establish contact, but only in about one case out of three.

Subscriber B in this situation will be able to find out what is being watched if he sees the screen smartphone - the Skype application will be visible on it. He will also be able to find out that his smartphone called the interlocutor back.

A post on Reddit collected many comments. Many confirmed the information by trying to reproduce the problem on various devices, including the Nexus 5, Samsung Galaxy S4 and personal computer. Some said they were now forced to remove Skype.

A Ponkers user who reported the problem said he was immediately contacted by Microsoft for cooperation. He suggests that the problem will be fixed as soon as possible.

2013

Confirmed: Skype spies on users

Researcher Jeffrey Knockel of the University of New Mexico has established a censorship mechanism in the Chinese version of Skype, Businessweek reported.^[23]

According to Nokel, the Chinese Skype distribution contains a module with a built-in keylogger that checks texts for the content of unwanted words in them, and sends the collected logs to supposedly special services.

It is worth noting that in China, the local company TOM-Skype, a daughter of the Chinese Internet provider TOM Online, has the exclusive right to distribute the Skype distribution.

Nokel managed to establish the list of words prohibited for Chinese users by observing the activity of his network when entering supposedly censored words. In addition, he was able to find significant character sequences when analyzing a daily updated encrypted keyword database.

Among the words not recommended for use by Chinese Skype users, Nokel singled out Tiananmen (Tiananmen Square, where the protest was suppressed in 1989), the names of Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders, BBC News, places of planned actions, etc.

This is not the first time that the topic of censorship of messages in Skype has been raised. In January 2013, it arose in connection with a letter from an activist group including more than 40 organizations and 60 individuals, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Reporters Without Borders, the hacktivist community Telecomix and other associations. The letter was sent to the current owner of Skype - Microsoft.

The reason for their concern was the agreement between Skype and the Chinese Internet provider TOM Online, which jointly provide Chinese users with a customized version of the Skype client, which does not outwardly differ from other versions of the program.

The signatories suggested that the distributed Chinese version of Skype has a built-in filter that blocks unwanted text messages. Thus, a Skype user may not guess that he is working under the supervision of Chinese special services.

The letter hypothesized that Skype's policy could have changed due to the purchase of the service by Microsoft in the summer of 2011. They demanded that Microsoft regularly disclose reports on the company's actions with personal data of users, as well as publish information about how often requests from government agencies come to it and what data they want to receive.

2011

Hacker Efim Bushmanov published the results of a study of the Skype protocol

In June 2011, hacker Efim Bushmanov first published the most complete results of a study of the Skype protocol, including the closed protocol itself and data encryption mechanisms. Experts believe that information about the Skype protocol will be of interest to both third-party developers and information security specialists.

The closed protocol of the popular instant messaging, voice and video messaging program Skype has been hacked along with data encryption mechanisms using the reverse engineering method, freelancer Efim Bushmanov said on his blog.

"Reverse development is the study of something in the form of a" black box, "when there is no documentation or any descriptions of internal algorithms of work. In the case of programs, as a rule, it is done by analyzing machine code (the so-called disassembly). As a result of reverse development, an approximate analogue of the object under study can be made, "explained Roman Vasiliev, technical director of the developer of solutions for protecting against SecurIT leaks.

Bushmanov said in a blog post that he did the bulk of this work and is now looking for like-minded people who have enough time to complete the project. The hacker claims that the only goal of all work is to turn Skype into an open source product, that is, to make the service available to third-party developers.

Note that the closeness of Skype does not allow third-party clients to be created under this protocol, as, for example, in the case of ICQ or Jabber, so users are forced to be content with official applications, which is not always convenient. The Skype code published by Bushmanov could solve this problem, but reverse development usually violates copyright law.

As the representative of Skype in Russia Arseniy Rastorguev confirmed to CNews, such activities violate Skype's intellectual property rights. "We are taking all necessary measures to prevent and stop attempts to spoil Skype's experience with its users," he added. The situation is also transferred to the legal field by the fact that Bushmanov included binary files of the original application in the archives posted on the Internet, which is a direct violation of copyright, notes The Register.

"The activity of a hacker does not pose threats, rather, on the contrary, the open Skype protocol will allow many information security specialists to thoroughly investigate it. If serious vulnerabilities are discovered, Skype is likely to release a new version of the protocol, and the user's negotiation security will only increase. We can give an example with an open source cryptography project - OpenSSL. Its source texts are available to everyone, but this does not affect security, "explained Vasiliev from SecurIT.

"Changing the algorithm for Skype is very difficult - in addition to Skype software clients, many use hardware devices, and it is often impossible to change the protocol in them. Skype is unlikely to replace the protocol at the cost of disabling some of its users, "the expert added. Information security specialists added that they had previously investigated Skype, but the information published by Bushmanov is the most complete.

Skype encryption mechanisms have always been considered reliably protected, and therefore state intelligence agencies even showed concern about this, citing the fact that due to its high security, this protocol can be used to negotiate attackers and organize terrorist attacks.

How Skype can be useful for small businesses

The more employees speak on the phone, the more expensive it costs the company. For small business budgets, not only long-distance and international communications, but also payment for mobile communications of employees can be a serious burden. Large companies can use various ip-telephony solutions. For most small businesses, Skype, which, like other such communications tools, can find a wide variety of applications.* *

Negotiations. Long-distance, international, as well as with mobile and landline phones. If the company needs long-distance telephone conversations, do not take on the phone. The hidset is a much more convenient device for long-term calls. For $10, Skype will provide several hours of telephone conversations with anywhere in the world. The only inconvenience is that calling the Russian or Ukrainian outback is much more expensive than in most major cities in the world. However, if all participants in the conversation use Skype, then the conversation will be free, regardless of the location of the interlocutors.

Roaming. The cost of calling a landline or mobile phone depends not so much on the distance as on the development of the Internet. Such calls can significantly reduce roaming costs - the cost of a call from a mobile phone in roaming easily overlaps its value for the company. WiFi today is available at airports in hotels, restaurants - often free, although not always fast.

Instant messaging. The phone is not all convenient. Email is not quick enough. Instant messaging eliminates the asynchronous nature of email. They also allow you to convey what is difficult to say by phone: links, pictures, files, etc. At the same time, you can make sure that the interlocutor received everything.

Network Presence Control. Unsuccessful calls to a mobile and landline phone can take a significant part of your working time. It is much more useful to make sure that the right employee is at the workplace, i.e. at the computer, but not necessarily in the office, before calling.

Display the screen. An excellent opportunity to interact with the interlocutor is the opportunity to show your screen or look at what is happening with him. Situations can be very different from holding remote presentations, to support, which can see what does not work for the user.

Business functions. Skype has a number of add-ons (paid and free) that make it more convenient for companies to work with.

Feedback. Users are much more willing to call Skype than a nonresident number. Free numbers 8-800 are quite expensive and therefore not very common. In addition, not all customers are sure that the call at 8-800 is free. Well, Skype is Skype - the call between accounts is always free. So post information about your corporate account on your website and in your materials.

The state is unhappy. The best evidence of Skype's business benefit is that the state, under pressure from the telecom lobby, is seeking to ban its use. Money flows past state-owned companies. Negotiations are not listened to (at least by Russian services).

For using Skype can be imprisoned for 15 years

The Ethiopian government has passed a law that makes it illegal in the country to use Skype, Google Talk and other VoIP services.

Under the terms of the new law, those who violate this rule face up to 15 years in prison, Al Jazeera reported. The law was passed by the authorities of the African state last month, but until that moment it remained unnoticed outside Ethiopia.

According to representatives of the Ethiopian government, the ban on the use of VoIP services was imposed due to "fears of violating national security," as well as in order to protect the state monopoly in the field of telecommunications.

Now there is only one Internet provider in Ethiopia - the state-owned Ethio Telecom, which actively filters the access of citizens of the country to the Web, blocking the sites of some news media, blogs opposing local authorities, etc.

The new law not only criminalizes the use of VoIP services, but also says that the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Ethiopia now has "the power to control and issue licenses to all private companies that import equipment used to exchange information."

In addition, the law passed in Ethiopia also prohibits "the transmission of audio and video traffic through social media." However, how exactly the authorities intend to monitor compliance with this restriction is unknown.

According to analysts, the harsh punishment provided by the authorities in the form of 15 years in prison should discourage most users from Skype and similar services, which will further tighten Internet censorship in the country.

Reporters Without Borders recently reported that local provider Ethio Telecom has installed a new system in the country to block access to the Tor network, which allows users to access the Internet anonymously. According to Reporters Without Borders, Ethio Telecom is likely to use the relatively advanced Deep Packet Inspection solution for this purpose.

According to the OpenNet Initiative project, Ethiopia currently ranks penultimate among African countries (non-Arab, that is, sub-Saharan) in terms of Internet penetration. In total, about 700 thousand citizens of the country out of 84 million of the total population of Ethiopia had Internet access as of 2010. The average speed of connecting to the Network in Ethiopia was 622 kbit/s.

Rumors about wiretapping Skype can throw it out of corporate networks

Even unconfirmed rumors about the possibility of wiretapping the Skype VoIP service after its change by Microsoft can lead to a ban on the protocol in corporate networks, writes technoblog Zdnet, commenting on the messages that have appeared. According to experts, corporations that are responsible for security issues will prefer blocking Skype in the office at the risk of information leakage, especially given that more and more people prefer to work with their own devices (Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model ). In addition, hypothetical wiretapping threatens the image of Skype as a free, private and secure alternative to traditional voice communication.#^[24]

Microsoft, which bought Skype in 2011 for $8.5 billion, has not confirmed the possibility of wiretapping. "As before the acquisition of Skype by Microsoft, Skype cooperates with law enforcement agencies in accordance with the requirements of the law and technical capabilities," the Skype press service said. However, experts point out that Microsoft developers have recently modified the system for exchanging traffic between Skype "super nodes." As Forbes.com wrote with reference to unnamed hackers, the essence of the changes is that voice and video traffic itself can now pass through the "super nodes" of Skype, and not just requests for a connection between users of a distributed network. Thus, an intermediary appears in the conversation, to control traffic through which it is already a matter of technology, the publication indicated.

Skype argues that super nodes do not mean abandoning the principles of the network.

"As part of our ongoing efforts to improve Skype's reliability, we have commissioned supernodes located on dedicated servers in secure data centers. This did not change the basics of Skype's architecture as a distributed (P2P) network, in which super nodes only help users find each other, while call traffic does not go through them. We believe this approach improves performance, scalability, and network availability for hundreds of millions of Skype users, "Mark Gillette, senior vice president of development and operations, said in a statement

.

Until now, the Skype protocol was considered practically not intercepted - so much so that in 2007 the German police were forced to turn to the services of virus writers and introduce "Trojans" to record conversations on the computers of suspects, Zdnet recalls. At the same time, Skype itself announced that listening to messages on its network was impossible "due to the distributed nature and the encryption algorithms used."

Last May, Microsoft patented "legitimate interference" technology that allows law enforcement to connect to user conversations in VoIP services as well as intercept transmitted content without their knowledge.

Group Video Calls

In February 2011, it became known that in the new version of the client of the popular VoIP service Skype, it became possible to conduct group video calls. In addition, a feature such as automatic call recovery and improved communication quality has become available to Skype 5.1 for Windows users, the company said. To use group video communication at any time, you must subscribe to Skype Premium or set up group video communication in your company using Skype Manager.

Phone Client Web Version

Skype plans to release a web version of the phone client in early 2011, which will work directly in the browser. Currently, you can use Skype voice and video communication services only using a special program. The new service will be "cloud," that is, only the visual interface that sends requests will be launched on the user's computer, and data will be processed on Skype servers. In turn, the owner of the Skype account will be relieved of the need to download and install an extra program on the computer.

2010

Worldwide glitch

Internet telephony service Skype last night, December 22, 2010, stopped responding to requests from some users around the world. According to unofficial information, at least half of the account owners experienced problems. The administration of the service in the official blog recognized the problem and stated that it would take at least a few hours to restore performance. "Some of you may experience problems signing in to Skype. We are investigating and apologise for the disruption. Our engineers are working non-stop to rectify the situation. Thank you for your patience, "the company said.

The reason for the failure of the popular VoIP service Skype, which occurred last week around the world, was a bug in the Windows version of the application. Skype CIO Lars Rabbe spoke about this in the company's blog. According to him, on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, several auxiliary network servers were overloaded and disconnected. As a result, the delivery time of messages to users' computers has increased. And Windows version 5.0.0.152 mishandled this event, causing the application to crash.

In Skype for Windows - 5.0.0.156, - as well as in earlier versions of the application for Windows (4.x), Mac OS and iOS, the event was processed normally, so they did not fail.

However, Windows version 5.0.0.152 was installed on computers of approximately 50% of all Skype users in the world, of which about 40% crashed. And since the Skype service is based on P2P technology, problems on computers of some users led to an avalanche effect - their "neighbors" also began to turn off.

Many clients who used the problematic version tried to restart Skype software on their computer several times, which further increased the load on the servers. The consequence of this was that the remaining host servers were loaded about 100 times more than usual.

Some users of the global Internet telephony service Skype received a letter from the company's chief executive, Tony Bates, thanking them for their patience, understanding and support during the recent Skype outage.

As compensation for understanding, the head of the service attached to the letter a voucher code "for an amount that will be enough for more than 30 minutes" of calls to city phones of popular destinations. Among them, Tony Bates names, USA Great Britain, and Germany China Japan. When entering a code, the amount of compensation is found on the Skype user's personal page - $1.

Record for simultaneous stay online - 25 million people

Skype announced its new record: on November 22, 2010, at the same time there were 25 million Skype users online. The total number of Skype users already exceeds 560 million people. According to company representatives, last year all Skype users communicated with each other for more than 113 billion minutes. They also reported that during the first half of 2010, about 40% of the total communication time between users was video calls.

According to analysts, the message about the continued growth of Skype's popularity should have a good effect on the stock price of the company, which plans to go public soon. Recall that in August of this year, Skype filed an application for an initial offering of shares, intending to raise up to $100 million during the IPO. According to the documents released on this occasion, for the first six months of this year, Skype's income amounted to $406 million, while profit - $13 million, and operating profit - only $1.4 million.

In the first half of 2010, Skype users made voice and video calls for 95 billion minutes. In addition, Skype users sent about 84 million SMS messages. According to unofficial data, the number of Skype users is approaching 560 million. Of these, more than 8 million use the company's paid services, including calls from personal computers to phones. The rest use only the free functionality of the service, such as instant messaging and calls between Skype accounts.

Recently, Skype has been actively adding various new functionality to its service, designed to expand the audience of this service. So, in October, the fifth version of the Skype client was announced. It is expected to include in-depth integration with the social network Facebook. Facebook users will be able to access Skype through their Facebook Connect account, send messages to their Facebook friends, view their network news in the Skype interface,

In April 2013, Skype announced that users of the VoIP service of the same name spend more than 2 billion minutes a day communicating with each other. As explained in the company, this time is enough to fly to the moon and back 225 thousand times, 845 times around the world or make 5400 flights to Mars.

Ability to organize group conversations

The ability to organize group conversations in Skype appeared in the first beta version of Skype 5.0, released in May 2010, and in the second beta version that appeared, the number of participants in such conversations was increased from five to ten. Video conferencing is currently supported only in Skype 5.0 Beta for Windows, and it must be installed with all conference participants. In versions for other operating systems, there is no support for group video communication yet, but the company promised to implement it by the end of the year in at least the version for Mac OS X.

Paid video conferencing

Skype The function video conferencings () that appeared in the latest fifth version AEROSPACE FORCES will become paid. This was CNews announced in November 2010 by the director of Skype for market development in Central and To Europe CIS Russia Rajendra Patel. According to him, the cost of the service will be determined at the beginning of 2011. "I can say that the price will be competitive, our VKS will not be ultra-expensive, conferences will be quite cheap," says Patel.

Recall that in the recently released Skype 5.0, up to 10 interlocutors can participate in video conferencing. For now, the service is free if the entire group uses messaging accounts to talk. However, when adding subscribers with regular phones to the conference, the host of the conference will have to pay for communication with them at standard Skype rates. While the VKS is in beta status, i.e. work on it continues.

The fact that the popular messenger decided to make the video conferencing service paid did not come as a surprise to other players in the VKS software systems market (in Russia, Video conference and VideoPort are developing them). "If in the first beta version of the VKS video traffic followed the standard point-to-point model for Skype, then in the second beta version of video conferences it began to be transmitted through the messaging servers, despite the fact that the peer-to-peer model is still used for audio streams," says Vyacheslav Borilin, CEO of Videomost. Rajendra Patel emphasizes that for regular voice and video communication, the company will maintain a point-to-point model.

Notes