This week in tech brings a mix of farewells, upgrades, and long-awaited arrivals. From the end of an era for Skype to exciting new features for Google Pixel devices and a significant update for GTA V on PC, there's a lot to unpack.
Skype's Final Call
Microsoft is officially retiring Skype on May 5th, urging users to migrate to Microsoft Teams. In their announcement, the company stated this move will "streamline our free consumer communications offerings so we can more easily adapt to customer needs."
Migrating is simple: just log in to Teams with your Skype credentials and your chats and contacts should appear. Microsoft has even published a YouTube video illustrating the transition process. If Teams isn't your thing, you can export your data and history before the shutdown date.
Skype launched over two decades ago, in 2003, and was acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion. It filled a crucial need for video calls before they became commonplace. While Skype may not stand out in today's world of Zoom, FaceTime, and Teams, it's still hard to say goodbye to a service that once revolutionized communication.
"Skype felt like a new era of communication and it will be missed."
Pixel Power-Ups: AI and Safety
Google is rolling out a slew of updates for its Pixel family, focusing heavily on AI-powered features and user safety. One of the most interesting additions is the new version of Pixel Studio, exclusive to Pixel 9 owners in the US. This AI image app can generate images and stickers of people based on text descriptions or chosen styles like "video game" or "3D cartoon." The images are designed to be non-photorealistic, preventing misuse.
Scam protection is also getting a boost. Pixel 9 owners will have call screening to filter out potential scams. Furthermore, scam text detection is expanding to Pixel 6 and newer devices in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This feature analyzes messages for suspicious patterns and alerts you to potential threats.
Beyond AI, the Find My Device app is getting an upgrade, allowing users to share their location with friends and family. Pixel Watch users are also in for a treat with FDA-cleared Loss of Pulse Detection, which can automatically call emergency services if the user becomes unresponsive.
GTA V: Next-Gen Arrives on PC
Finally, PC gamers can rejoice! Rockstar Games has released a free "next-gen" update for Grand Theft Auto V, bringing the PC version up to par with its console counterparts. This long-awaited update includes technical improvements like ray tracing, as well as new content such as ambient wildlife, photography challenges, and new vehicles.
Players can migrate their Story Mode and Online progress from the old Legacy edition to the new Expanded & Enhanced version. This update arrives amidst high anticipation for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI, keeping fans engaged with the franchise.
It's been a busy week in the tech world, with changes and upgrades impacting various platforms and devices. Whether you're saying goodbye to Skype, exploring new AI features on your Pixel, or diving into the updated world of GTA V on PC, there's something for everyone.