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Farewell, Skype: Microsoft Calls Time on the Iconic App

by News Editor

May 5, 2025

Everything good comes to an end. As of May 5, Microsoft has ended support for Skype, nearly 15 years after acquiring the European VoIP provider from eBay for $8.5 billion.

Key Facts

Jeff Teper, President of Collaborative Apps and Platforms at Microsoft, announced the decision to cease the service, aiming to optimize user communication products.
Once a pioneering platform for HD voice and video calls, Skype was an early leader in online communication.
Skype, initially developed by Skype Technologies, was acquired by eBay in 2005.
Despite surpassing 400 million users in 2008, Skype began losing its competitive edge.
In 2011, Microsoft acquired Skype for $8.5 billion, paving the way for the app’s current scenario.
Ending support for Skype has sparked nostalgia among its extensive user base.

What You Should Know and Microsoft’s Reason

Skype was once a premier VoIP service for global connections, allowing both free and paid communication. As Microsoft shifts focus to Microsoft Teams, Skype’s user experience and features will be incorporated into this modern hub.

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Microsoft Teams, which has seen significant user growth, will now carry forward Skype’s legacy features, offering enhanced capabilities.

What Happens to Your Skype Account?

All Skype contacts and chats will seamlessly migrate to the free version of Microsoft Teams. Active subscriptions and credits remain usable through Skype Dial Pad, accessible via the web or Teams.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

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In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.