Skype is finally shutting down its Qik video streaming service after three years after integrating it into its own service.
Qik, the video messaging service, is shutting down all its apps and services in April and recommends its current users to head over to the Microsoft-owned Skype video calling service in the future. The decision comes three years after Skype acquired the service for $150 million in 2011. Qik created the trend of streaming live videos from phones and sending it to others, but failed to gain sufficient ground to stand on its own. Skype took over the service and integrated the technology into its video calling service.
Now, Skype wants to finally shut down the service finally on April 30. After the date, all apps and services will cease to work and be pulled down from all app stores. Stored, shared and embedded videos will no longer be accessible through Qik and existing apps on smartphones will stop working.
"We are retiring Qik as the Qik video messaging technology has now been incorporated into Skype," the company wrote in a Support Page, announcing the news. "Users can now enjoy a great experience on Skype with features such as audio and video calling, instant messaging and video messaging with contacts in their Skype and Microsoft networks."
For users who still use the service and have some important videos on Qik's servers, the company has advised them to back up in an external storage device or to Microsoft's OneDrive. Alternatively, users can upload their videos on YouTube using built-in feature as a backup.
As for the premium members, the company will offer refunds for amounts paid after the end date. Some users who pay for Qik subscription via mobile carriers will also witness a similar termination, but for refunds users must contact respective operators.
