Feb 04, 2017 06:38 AM EST By Jordan Pine, UniversityHerald Reporter

The updated version of Skype now adds advanced features like video message saving, cloud file sharing, and mobile group video calling. To make room for the new and modern infrastructure, older versions on desktops will be disabled by March 1, which means no more logins unless users install the newest version.

The Skype team has been hard at work improving stability and performance of the app to better serve their clients. It is making a transition to a more modern, mobile-friendly architecture from the old, peer-to-peer infrastructure.

The updated Skype will have advanced functionalities like saving video messages, a better preview of websites, improved support for emoticons, a mobile group calling and adding other content in the input box for chats. Notably, the latest version adds cloud file sharing as Skype migrates to the Azure public cloud infrastructure.

With the advent of new features comes the demise of the old versions particularly version 7.16 or lower for Windows desktop and 7.0 to 7.18 for Mac. These outdated versions are not exactly old having been released one a half year ago in December 2015. Nonetheless, these will be permanently disabled and will no longer accept logins.

Desktop clients will need to upgrade to the latest Skype version to continue using the messaging app or switch to another one. Windows 10 users particularly those who have installed the Anniversary update on PC may use the built-in Skype universal apps. Meanwhile, Mac users need to run OS x 10.10 or higher to continue using Skype.

As to Skype on mobile, Microsoft has not disclosed any details or instructions as of yet. However, the app may also be affected come March 1 with the new infrastructure in place according to onMSFT.

The mobile version of the messaging app offers the same amenities, but it lacks a few features that are available for desktop clients. However, the app continues to evolve with Microsoft planning on making it at par with its Win32 sibling. Nonetheless, Windows phone users appear to be left behind in the course of the transition to a new architecture, Softpedia has learned.

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