Skype: is this the beginning of the end?

Published

4 years ago

June 28, 2021

Microsoft Windows has announced that the new Windows 11 operating system might mean the end for Skype.

Well before Zoom, Microsoft’s Skype was the big name in video-calling software. But a recent announcement might indicate that the app is on its last leg.

Microsoft announced its new Windows 11 operating system will be replacing the video calling software with Microsoft Teams as the default.

“Microsoft has been moving beyond Skype for several years now, with Teams being its strategic voice and video technology for the new era,” explained Angela Ashenden, an analyst at CCS Insight.

Looks like Microsoft is killing off Skype. It’s integrating Teams into Windows 11. #MicrosoftEvent
— Adrian Weckler (@adrianweckler) June 24, 2021

So does this mean Skype is gone for good?

Users will still be able to access the video calling software, but they will have to find it in the Microsoft store like any other app.

A company spokesperson told The Verge: “Skype is no longer an inbox app for new devices that run Windows 11. The app is available to download through the Microsoft Store for free.”

This comes as a surprise for many after Microsoft praised the app saying: “For folks that just want a very purpose-built app, Skype is a great solution, and we support it and encourage it.”

A decade ago Microsoft acquired the app for $8.5 billion

At the time, it was Microsoft’s biggest-ever acquisition. Despite concerns the tech giant was over-paying, the app was widely established.

At the time of acquisition, 1 billion users had downloaded Skype.

“Together we will create the future of real-time communications,” Microsoft chief Steve Balmer projected.

Up Next

Tesla hits speed bump with huge vehicle recall

Don't Miss

UK bans world’s largest crypto exchange amid global crackdowns

Natasha Schapova

Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.

Click to comment

Stocks rally ahead of Thanksgiving as markets log four days of gains

Markets gain momentum ahead of Thanksgiving, with the Dow up 388 points and Oracle rising 4% amid investor optimism.

Published

6 days ago

November 27, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Markets gain momentum ahead of Thanksgiving, with the Dow up 388 points and Oracle rising 4% amid investor optimism.

Markets are moving into the Thanksgiving break with strong momentum, as stocks notch four straight days of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 388 points, while the S&P 500 added 0.9%, pushing both indexes toward their best week since June.

Oracle led major movers, rising more than 4% after Deutsche Bank reaffirmed its bullish outlook on the tech giant. Broad investor optimism continues building across sectors as economic data softens and earnings remain resilient.

All eyes are now on the Federal Reserve and what potential shifts in interest-rate policy may mean for the markets. U.S. markets will close Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday and reopen Friday for a shortened trading session.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#Markets #Stocks #Thanksgiving #DowJones #SP500 #Oracle #FederalReserve #FinanceNews

Money

Dow surges 500 points amid rate cut optimism

Dow jumps 569 points on fresh hopes for December rate cut and AI market optimism

Published

1 week ago

November 26, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Dow jumps 569 points on fresh hopes for December rate cut and AI market optimism

In Short:
– Dow Jones rose 569 points, reflecting optimism for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut.
– Alphabet’s stock increased as Meta may invest in AI chips, but Nvidia’s declined amid market concerns.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 569 points or 1.2% on Tuesday, reflecting investor optimism for an upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate cut. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also posted gains, up 0.8% and 0.4% respectively. This represented a recovery from earlier losses, where the S&P 500 briefly fell by 0.7%.

Markets anticipate an 85% chance of a quarter-point rate cut in December, driven by comments from New York Fed President John Williams, who indicated the possibility of lower rates soon. Investor sentiment strengthened following reports that Kevin Hassett may be appointed as the next Fed chair, potentially resulting in a more lenient monetary policy.

Tech Sector

Alphabet saw its stock rise by over 1% after reports indicated that Meta Platforms might invest in its AI chips. This could signal increased demand for AI technology, benefiting the sector overall. However, Nvidia’s stock fell more than 3%, suggesting concerns about its dominance in the AI chip market.

Investors are also wary of the valuation of tech stocks. Despite recent gains, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq remain down over 1% and 3%, respectively, for November, while the Dow has lost more than 1% this month. The broader market’s performance indicates ongoing scrutiny regarding tech valuations amid changing economic expectations.

Money

Gold prices surge as Central Banks buy big, but risks grow ahead

Gold prices surge as central banks increase demand; risks include a stronger dollar and rising interest rates.

Published

1 week ago

November 25, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Gold prices surge as central banks increase demand; risks include a stronger dollar and rising interest rates.

Gold prices are climbing fast as central banks ramp up buying, pushing demand to its highest levels in years. The metal’s reputation as a safe haven is strengthening, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions and global financial uncertainty.

But experts warn the shine could fade. A stronger US dollar and the possibility of rising interest rates may weigh on momentum, making investors question how long the rally can last.

Dr Steven Enticott from CIA Tax breaks down the drivers behind gold’s surge—from ETF inflows to physical bar demand—and what could send the price sharply higher… or lower.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#gold #markets #centralbanks #economy #finance #investing #interestRates #usdollar