Microsoft Retiring Earlier Versions of Skype for Windows and Mac

Microsoft today is announcing the retirement of versions of Skype in preparation for the "next generation" of consumer communications.

Per a blog post today, the versions being retired are:

Unfortunately, upgrading is a manual process, meaning there's no automated update that will move you to the latest versions. Instead, you have to visit the Skype download page HERE, choose your Skype platform (Windows or Mac), download the software, and walk through the installation. Once the installation completes, just sign-in and the process is complete.

There really shouldn't be anything lost in the new version, only getting a bunch of the latest features.

Microsoft has provided no drop-dead date for the retirement, only that the versions will be phased out in the coming months. Interestingly enough, for some reason Skype isn't part of Microsoft's overall product Lifecycle database. In fact, good luck locating anything that is "Cloud-related."