Microsoft is shutting down its classic Skype for Business Online service on May 5, 2025. The company has been encouraging users to migrate to Microsoft Teams, its newer communication and collaboration platform, for several years. While consumer Skype will remain unaffected, businesses still using the legacy Skype for Business platform are urged to complete their transition to Teams before the deadline to avoid disruption. Microsoft highlights Teams' enhanced features and integration with other Microsoft 365 services as key benefits of the switch.
Despite Windows 10's approaching end-of-life in October 2025, nearly half of Steam users are still using the operating system, according to the latest Steam Hardware Survey. While Windows 11 adoption is slowly growing, it still sits significantly behind Windows 10, leaving a large portion of PC gamers potentially facing security risks and a lack of support in the near future.
Hacker News users discussed the implications of nearly half of Steam users still running Windows 10, despite its approaching end-of-life. Some questioned the statistic's accuracy, suggesting the data might include Windows Server instances or older, unsupported Windows builds lumped in with Windows 10. Others pointed out the apathy many users feel towards upgrading, especially gamers who prioritize stable systems over new features. Several commenters mentioned the potential security risks of staying on an unsupported OS, while others downplayed this, arguing that games often run in sandboxed environments. The cost of upgrading, both in terms of hardware and software, was also a recurring theme, with some suggesting Microsoft's aggressive upgrade tactics in the past have led to distrust and reluctance to upgrade. Finally, some users speculated that many "Windows 10" users might actually be running Windows 11 but misreported due to Steam's detection methods.
End-of-life experiences, often involving visions of deceased loved ones, are extremely common and likely stem from natural brain processes rather than supernatural phenomena. As the brain nears death, various physiological changes, including oxygen deprivation and medication effects, can trigger these hallucinations. These visions are typically comforting and shouldn't be dismissed as mere delirium, but understood as a meaningful part of the dying process. They offer solace and a sense of connection during a vulnerable time, potentially serving as a psychological mechanism to help prepare for death. While research into these experiences is ongoing, understanding their biological basis can destigmatize them and allow caregivers and loved ones to offer better support to the dying.
Hacker News users discussed the potential causes of end-of-life hallucinations, with some suggesting they could be related to medication, oxygen deprivation, or the brain's attempt to make sense of deteriorating sensory input. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes of witnessing these hallucinations in loved ones, often involving visits from deceased relatives or friends. Some questioned the article's focus on the "hallucinatory" nature of these experiences, arguing they could be interpreted as comforting or meaningful for the dying individual, regardless of their neurological basis. Others emphasized the importance of compassionate support and acknowledging the reality of these experiences for those nearing death. A few also recommended further reading on the topic, including research on near-death experiences and palliative care.
Summary of Comments ( 5 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43205677
Hacker News commenters largely lament the loss of Skype, focusing on its previously excellent quality and reliability, particularly for international calls. Many express frustration with Microsoft's handling of the platform, believing they intentionally let it degrade after acquisition. Some suggest Microsoft prioritized Teams integration to the detriment of Skype's core functionality. Alternatives like Zoom, Teams, and Discord are discussed, but several users feel none fully replicate Skype's specific strengths, like its robust handling of poor connections. A few commenters also reminisce about Skype's history and innovative features, noting its pioneering role in video calling and screen sharing.
The Hacker News post titled "May 5, Microsoft's Skype will shut down for good" has generated a number of comments discussing the shutdown of Skype and its implications. Several commenters express a sense of nostalgia for Skype's early days, recalling its role as a disruptive force in telecommunications and its superior call quality compared to alternatives at the time. They lament the decline in quality and functionality they perceive to have occurred after Microsoft's acquisition.
Several commenters attribute Skype's downfall to Microsoft's mismanagement, suggesting that feature bloat, integration with other Microsoft services, and a shift in focus away from core functionalities led to its decline. The integration with Teams is specifically mentioned as a potential motivator for the shutdown, with some speculating that Microsoft is trying to consolidate its communication platforms.
Some users discuss their continued use of Skype, highlighting specific features they appreciate and will miss, such as screen sharing and group video calls. They express concern about the transition to alternative platforms and the potential loss of established group chats and contacts. A few users suggest alternative platforms they plan to migrate to, including Zoom, Discord, and Telegram.
There is also discussion of the broader trend of established platforms being superseded by newer alternatives, with Skype cited as another example of this phenomenon. Some commenters discuss the network effect and how difficult it is for even established players to maintain their position in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The comment section also touches upon the issue of platform dependence and the challenges users face when a service they rely on is discontinued.
A smaller number of comments express indifference to the shutdown, indicating they haven't used Skype in years or have already transitioned to other platforms. Some users question whether the shutdown will be truly "for good," speculating about potential future iterations or niche uses for the technology.