Skype was just acquired by a group of private investors. One of the first major decisions they’ve made is to remove the extras, or “certified plugins.” These plugins are basically Skypes version of the iPhone app, however considerably lacking consumer traction. Skype ex
ecs claim that the plugins simply were not being used enough to justify the upkeep. Unfortuneately it looks like the people at Skype are making a terrible mistake. Some of the most innovative additions to an original concept come from opening up a platform to developers via an API. There have been numerous complaints about the shallowness of Skype’s API in the first place and the inability to leverage technology through a deep integration. As of December 11th, users will not be able to use Skype credits to purchase these apps.
If you are a developer with an app in process or do not have a certified app, unfortunately you are out of luck. Any certified apps will be available for use until its expiration. I’m an avid Skype supporter, but certainly feel they are taking this one in the wrong direction.
