Yesterday we heard that Microsoft has stopped selling Windows Phone apps, and now the company has announced that it is killing off some of its existing apps.
The Windows Phone apps that are being retired include Microsoft Teams, Yammer, and Skype for Business. These applications will no longer be available from the 20th of May 2018. You can see what Microsoft has to say about this below.
“Effective May 20, 2018, the Windows Phone apps for Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams, and Yammer will be retired. Starting on that date, these apps will no longer be available for download from Microsoft Store, and Microsoft will no longer support them.
While Microsoft continues to support Windows 10 Mobile, we are not focused on building new features for the system. We will continue to invest in the Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams, and Yammer mobile apps for iOS and Android, and also in desktop apps for Windows and Mac.”
You can find out more details about Microsoft’s plans to kill off these applications over at their website at the link below.
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The Decline of Windows Phone
The decision to retire these apps is part of a broader trend that has seen the decline of the Windows Phone platform over the past few years. Initially launched in 2010, Windows Phone was Microsoft’s attempt to break into the smartphone market dominated by iOS and Android. Despite some innovative features and a unique user interface, Windows Phone struggled to gain significant market share. By 2017, Microsoft’s market share in the smartphone sector had dwindled to less than 1%.
One of the primary reasons for the decline was the lack of app support. Developers were hesitant to invest time and resources into creating apps for a platform with a small user base. This created a vicious cycle where the lack of apps led to fewer users, and fewer users led to even less developer interest. The retirement of key apps like Microsoft Teams, Yammer, and Skype for Business is a clear indication that Microsoft is shifting its focus away from Windows Phone.
Future Focus: iOS and Android
Microsoft’s announcement also highlights the company’s future focus on iOS and Android platforms. The tech giant has been increasingly investing in developing and enhancing its mobile apps for these more popular operating systems. For instance, Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business have seen significant updates and new features on both iOS and Android, making them robust tools for business communication.
Moreover, Microsoft has been working on integrating its services more deeply with these platforms. For example, the Microsoft Office suite is now fully optimized for both iOS and Android, offering a seamless experience for users who rely on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint on their mobile devices. The company has also been pushing its cloud services, such as OneDrive and Azure, to be more accessible and functional on these platforms.
This strategic shift is not just limited to mobile apps. Microsoft has also been focusing on enhancing its desktop applications for Windows and Mac. The goal is to create a cohesive ecosystem where users can seamlessly transition between their mobile and desktop devices, regardless of the operating system they are using.
In conclusion, while the retirement of Windows Phone apps like Microsoft Teams, Yammer, and Skype for Business marks the end of an era, it also signifies a new direction for Microsoft. By concentrating its efforts on iOS and Android, Microsoft aims to provide a more unified and efficient experience for its users. This move is expected to benefit both individual consumers and businesses, offering them more reliable and feature-rich applications across all their devices. For more details on Microsoft’s plans, you can visit their official website.
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