Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of Skype, transitioning users to Microsoft Teams, which will allow for the transfer of contacts and conversations. In related news, OpenAI has released GPT-4.5, a powerful new language model, while being cautious about its access due to high computational costs.
In a surprising announcement, Microsoft has officially decided to discontinue Skype, transitioning users to Microsoft Teams. A video demonstration reveals that users will receive a pop-up notification indicating the change, with the option to click a button that launches the free version of Teams. This transition appears to include a feature that allows users to port over their contacts and conversations from Skype to Teams, although further details on the process are still pending. If the handover functions smoothly, it could provide a seamless experience for users migrating from Skype.
The decision to phase out Skype marks a significant shift in Microsoft’s communication strategy, as Teams has become the company’s primary platform for collaboration and communication. This move aligns with the growing trend of businesses and individuals favoring integrated solutions that combine messaging, video calls, and collaboration tools. The transition may also reflect Microsoft’s efforts to streamline its offerings and focus on a single, robust platform.
In addition to the Skype news, OpenAI has announced the release of GPT-4.5, which is touted as the strongest version of its language model to date. This new model is currently available as a research preview for Pro users and developers worldwide. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, described interacting with GPT-4.5 as akin to conversing with a thoughtful person for the first time, highlighting the advancements made in the model’s capabilities.
However, there are some caveats to the release of GPT-4.5. Altman noted that it is a “giant expensive model,” which means that OpenAI will be cautious about how quickly they expand access to it. This cautious approach is likely a response to the high computational costs associated with running such a powerful model, which has raised concerns for Microsoft regarding the allocation of GPU resources.
Overall, these developments reflect significant changes in the tech landscape, with Microsoft consolidating its communication tools and OpenAI pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities. As these transitions unfold, users and developers alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact their experiences and the broader industry. For more insights on these topics, viewers are encouraged to check out the linked video and share their thoughts on this new format for breaking tech news.