Skype will no longer support its Smart TV app starting in June this year.
The app will stop receiving support and update, while TV manufacturers may decide to remove the app from some or all of their TV models.
Skype launched its Smart TV app back in 2010. Some TV sets, such as those made by LG and Samsung, come preloaded with the app, while other models have it available for download. These include TV units from Sharp, Panasonic and Sony.
"Starting in June 2016, the Skype for TV application will no longer be supported; there will be no updates to the application," states the support page of Skype. "This will also affect new account creation and password resets. This will only be available through Skype.com."
While the app's TV integration received a certain level of excitement from consumers and TV makers alike, it also brought some issues, particularly with the idea of using a separate camera that is specially designed for TV.
It turned out that the Skype app service is not compatible with regular computer webcams. Consequently, consumers were faced with additional hardware costs and more setup procedures in order to make their TV sets app-ready.
Moreover, consumers are a little hesitant when it comes to installing cameras in their living rooms. According to Microsoft, users would usually choose to access Skype on their smartphones even when they are in the living room with the TV in front of them.
Skype highlights how in time, the way users access the app has changed and most people now rely on their smartphones to communicate on Skype.
"We want to make sure we prioritize delivering the best possible experience to the platforms our users are asking for."
Recent data show that smartphone sales have increased dramatically between 2010 and 2015, with the number starting from less than 300 million to the current record of almost 1.5 billion. The majority of U.S. consumers now use smartphones and rely on them for a number of activities. Analysts believe the trend in smartphone use will continue to grow over the years to come.
From now until June 2016, Skype will still provide support to its TV app. After the said date, some users may no longer find the app on their TV sets. Even if some users will still be able to access the app, it will most likely get buggy over time and less reliable.
