Skype drops Snapchat-like feature since people weren't using it

Microsoft's about-face on Skype now extends to one of its not-so-subtle attempts to ride the social media bandwagon. As part of a broader app update, Microsoft has revealed that it's axing its Snapchat-like Highlights feature for mobile users in a bid to focus on core features like calls and chats. Simply put, people weren't using it -- the Stories-style posts "didn't resonate with a majority of users," the Skype team said. You'll have until September 30th to download your own Highlights if you want to preserve them for posterity.

A corresponding desktop update prioritizes calls, chats, contacts and notifications. All of the changes should be reflected in Skype's latest app versions regardless of platform.

The death of Highlights isn't completely surprising, as Skype faced an uphill battle against incumbents who've had years-long head starts. Snapchat is still a heavyweight in disappearing social posts despite its struggles, and Instagram is larger still. How would Microsoft persuade people to share Highlights when most of their friends might only use Skype for the occasional call? This is an acknowledgment that Skype, as well-known as it is, isn't so influential that it can adopt rivals' features and expect them to be successful.

Source: Skype Blog

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