What you need to know
- Skype's SMS Connect feature is going away on August 30.
- In its place, Microsoft is directing people to the Your Phone app to text from their PCs.
- This is the second SMS feature baked into Skype to be killed off.
The SMS Connect feature in Skype is going away on August 30. Microsoft announced the move in a new support article and is alerting Skype users with an in-app message (via OnMSFT).
"After limited availability, we decided to remove SMS Connect functionality from Skype," Microsoft says in its support article on the topic. "SMS Connect will no longer be available after August 30th, 2019 but don't worry, you can still find all your individual SMS conversations with full history on your phone."
In its place, Microsoft directs Skype users to take advantage of the Your Phone app on Windows 10, which can pair up with Android phones and allows for texting and more from your computer. Microsoft also recently rolled out the ability to manage notifications from the app and is currently testing screen mirroring with a subset of devices. Notably, however, the Your Phone app doesn't allow SMS messaging if you use an iPhone device.
With Your Phone becoming Microsoft's focus going forward, it's not entirely surprising that the SMS Connect feature is being axed from Skype. Microsoft continues to gradually build out the app's set of features, and it appears the company wants Your Phone to be the main connection between phones and PCs.
Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love
Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.
VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)
This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.
Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)
Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.
Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)
This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.
