By the end of 2013, Skype will permanently put an end to its Skype Desktop API (application programming interface). This news was recently shared by Chris Andrews of the Skype Developer Program.
According to Andrews, Skype will no longer support the App Directory and its chat features beginning in September. The company will completely pull the plug by the year’s end.
API: Its Beginnings
The Skype Desktop API was first introduced to the public in 2004. Although it was eventually brought back in 2011, the company is claiming that they will discontinue the service for good as Skype now focuses its attention on strengthening Skype URIs.
Improved Mobile Platform Performance
Skype made it clear that their main motivation in this step is to move towards improving their mobile platform performance. The API feature stands in the way of achieving that goal because it does not support mobile applications. The company hopes to change that by incorporating innovations that will ensure a better experience for more users. Besides, there is a notable increase in the number of Skype users who access it via mobile devices as of recent years.
As Andrews emphasized on an email message sent to third-party developers, “Skype has been investing in technology improvements, which will significantly benefit Skype users across all platforms, especially mobile devices. These changes will significantly improve the speed of delivery of calls and messages, whilst retaining excellent battery life.”
What about Skype Recorders?
Developers, particularly those that heavily rely on API for Skype recorders, are alarmed about this recent development. This presents a new challenge for them because they will need to find a way to still work without the API.
The good news here is that there are still some services that are not affected by this transition. SuperTintin, for example, does not depend on API and so you can still record conversations at Skype by using the tools provided.
Check out SuperTintin.com for more information.
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