I was very concerned to get a screen message on my new Samsung Smart TV that "as of June 2 2016 the Skype application will no longer be available on Samsung Smart TV's."
Can anyone advise what this means exactly? Will I no longer be able to access Skype via my Samsung Smart TV?
I bought it in good faith that I would be able to access Skype into the future?
If I am unable to use Skype on my Smart TV what compensation is available?
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-35752658
Seems as if its unsupported as of now. No idea if they will actively remove it, but they'll probably just let it wither and die as mickysoft warp the app to their purposes.
If you want compensation, Samsung will probably just say it's Mickysoft's fault and you should talk to them.
I completed a simple Google search and found this: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-35752658
This should address your concerns.
Just read that article QW3RTY.
Samsung stopped support for the remote control/TV guide app for the Galaxy Note 3 and Tab devices, something that I was going to use specifically with the Samsung Smart TV.
I remain unwilling to endorse Samsung products despite Microsoft canning skype smart TV service for all major TV manufacturers.
So get a "dumb tv" and a HTPC? Cut out the middleman! Probably cheaper too.
Meh. I've got one of the impacted TVs but there are plenty of alternatives if you really want to use your TV. Easiest would be Miracasting Skype from your Smartphone. Sit the phone in front of the TV so the camera is on the right spot and job done.
What if…
"As of December 25, 2016, Miracast will no longer be supported on Samsung TV's".
Not so meh then?!
It is disappointing for a manufacturer to employ app developers for their products only to stop supporting those products after a year or two. Consumers buying those products are voting to the company, "yes we support your brand, we like what you're doing".
By discontinuing support, it is a breach of trust in the brand, and I think it is irrevocable damage to the brand perception.
My next TV will be an LG OLED, I cannot recommend or endorse Samsung any more.
Wait, so you are ditching Samsung for LG because third party developers have stopped supporting Samsung products?
So LG do not have problems with third party developers?
I personally think third party developer issues are inevitable on Smart TVs. Relatively small audience to begin with compared to similar devices like Smartphones, newer models coming out means that older models get ditched (Spec issues, less compatiability issues to worry about, cost of maintaining the app etc). In my opinion at least, you'd be better off getting a digital media player like Nexus player, Nvidia Shield TV or Apple TV etc with the TV. TVs' life cycle is far longer than the components of the smart TVs' life cycle (i.e. 4 years old Smartphone would be considered outdated, whereas 4 years TV would probably still stand strong).
Skype is a third party service that Samsung can't control. Miracast doesn't even use the internet. You might as well compare Skype and your HDMI ports.
Point taken, mine was an overly simplistic hypothetical scenario that was not thought through properly.
End of support for subscriber apps like Presto, Stan, Quikflix, much like Skype where end users pay for use, would be a better example.
Not to mention, Samsung webcameras for TV's are optional extras consumers need to invest in for Skype.
@THICKnSLOW: Fair point there, I'd be pissed if I'd bought one of the optional web cams exclusively for this. I think that the later high end models actually have a camera built in.
Yep Skype is shutting down and donating all its money to Charity /s
What are you even talking about, Samsung do not produce the app, they would have taken reasonable measure prior to establishing partnerships, and Microsoft is no small fish.
Just how much Skype do you use on the TV to think you warrant compensation?
I actually use my TV for Skype every 2 days so this will affect me, that was one of the reasons for buying a TV with a camera, what would you use a camera in a TV for apart for Skype? As the BBC report says I suppose we will have to use a laptop or desktop now.
I stand corrected then. You're one of those in the very very minority group, not to say that group don't matter, but it isn't significant to bother Samsung. Supporting a non-supported app will have a lifespan attached anyway, you either stop getting Skype in the next 2 months or the next 2 years, there will always be those who stretch it out to the end and complain regardless of how much warning they got.
Do you not have a tablet to Skype your family with? I understand not everyone will have one but just about these days, no?
I bought it in good faith that I would be able to access Skype into the future?
If I am unable to use Skype on my Smart TV what compensation is available?
Connect your laptop to your tv and stop complaining . Let me get this straight, you bought a Samsung TV in the hopes that a Microsoft application would be available forever. And now you want compensation. Hahahaha….
Thanks.
Cmon man. Do you really need to talk to people in front of a gigantic screen?
I work away, so nice to talk to the family. So yes.
Compensation. LOL
My Samsung doesn't do Teletext anymore either.
(Life will go on). :+)
can you buy a cheap android box put on the skype app and connect to the tv
Skype is rubbish anyway… if you have to use it go to your computer and use it…
Local + Physical FTW!!!
I think it may mean that as of June 2 2016 the Skype application will no longer be available on Samsung Smart TV's. Following June 2, it's my understanding that while using your Samsung Smart TV, you will not longer have access to the Skype application.
I don't imagine you have any compensation, as I doubt the marketing campaign for Samsung Smart TV's was "Samsung Smart TV's — will have Skype forever!".