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Microsoft to end support for Skype 'classic' following new desktop release

The older version will stop working after Sept. 1.

Abrar Al-Heeti Technology Reporter
Abrar Al-Heeti is a technology reporter for CNET, with an interest in phones, streaming, internet trends, entertainment, pop culture and digital accessibility. She's also worked for CNET's video, culture and news teams. She graduated with bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Though Illinois is home, she now loves San Francisco -- steep inclines and all.
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Abrar Al-Heeti
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Skype version 8.0 was relseased Monday.

Microsoft

Microsoft  rolled out on Monday a new version of Skype for desktop, and said it would end support for the "classic" version on Sept. 1. 

Dubbed version 8.0, the updated edition of the groundbreaking video-and-voice platform includes new features, such as free HD video and group calls that can accommodate as many as 24 people. The new version also includes message reactions; @mentions for individual notifications in a group chat; a chat media gallery; and photo and video file sharing. 

Microsoft says the new version is more reliable and has faster load times. Users can upgrade for free.

The software giant has also begun to roll out other new Skype features and will continue to do so over the summer. They include Skype version 8.0 on iPad , a feature that lets you see who's read your messages, encrypted audio calls and text messages and call recording, among other features.