Skype has recently announced that it will soon discontinue its app for smart TVs. The change will come into effect in June this year.
The reason behind the change is that Skype is more popular for users on smarthphones and tablets, and not so for users on smart TVs. To quote:
Over the years, users have changed the way they use Skype, with the majority accessing it from a mobile device – including when in the living room. We want to make sure we prioritize delivering the best possible experience to the platforms our users are asking for, which is why we’ve decided to focus our efforts in other areas while supporting key functionality on Skype for TV for as long as possible.
Skype app for smart TVs was launched back in 2010; with it being shipped as a pre-loaded component on certain TVs such as Samsung and LG, and being available for download on others. Yet, over the course of these years, the app failed to evolve, and it rarely gained much popularity among users.
Starting June 1, Skype app for smart TVs shall no longer receive updates, nor be available for download, following June 1. Those who have downloaded the app can continue using it, albeit without any support or updates.