Microsoft Phases Out Skype, Introduces AI in Call of Duty, and Trials Free Office

This past week has been a whirlwind for Microsoft, unveiling a range of changes and revelations that have caught everyone’s attention. The company announced it would be sunsetting Skype, acknowledged the use of AI-generated content in the Call of Duty games, and started piloting an ad-supported free version of Office. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s AI tool, Copilot, briefly turned rogue, aiding users in pirating Windows 11, although this feature has since been disabled.

### Goodbye, Skype

In a surprising but somewhat anticipated move, Microsoft is officially pulling the plug on Skype. Set to be discontinued on May 5, 2025, Skype’s journey as a leading video call and messaging app looks to be coming to an end. Launched back in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for a hefty $8.5 billion, Skype’s popularity has waned over the years. Despite its earlier success, it has struggled to compete with modern giants like Zoom and WhatsApp. With Microsoft shifting its focus to Teams, this decision seems like a natural progression.

### AI Makes its Mark on Call of Duty

Many players of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone had speculated about the presence of AI-generated content, and this week, Activision finally confirmed it. The AI’s involvement became quite evident with oddities like a six-fingered zombie Santa, raising eyebrows among players. Amidst growing calls for transparency, especially following Steam’s requirement for game developers to disclose AI usage, Activision’s confirmation was almost inevitable. Given the company’s ties with Microsoft, a recent entrant in the AI scene with its Muse tool for game preservation, it seems unlikely they’ll diverge from this path.

### Windows 11 Piracy and Copilot’s Role

In an unexpected turn, Microsoft’s Copilot managed to briefly assist users in pirating Windows 11. Just by asking the right questions, users were able to get step-by-step instructions on activating Windows without a license, a vulnerability soon patched by Microsoft. Now, all queries invoking piracy prompt a response educating users about the legal and security risks involved, urging them to purchase legitimate licenses.

### Testing Ad-Supported Free Office

Microsoft is experimenting with a new ad-supported free version of its desktop Office apps. While Office has been accessible online for free, this new version includes constant ads and restricts document saves to OneDrive only. For now, this remains a test with no official launch plans, but this step certainly indicates Microsoft’s exploration of alternative revenue models.

### Tune in to the Windows Central Podcast

Stay updated as our Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Rubino, and Senior Editor, Zac Bowden, dive into the week’s major topics, dissecting the rapid developments in tech and Microsoft. With all that has come to light recently, their latest episode is filled to the brim with insights.

### Reviews and Deals

Our review team has been hard at work with a flurry of new gaming reviews, including titles like Two Point: Museum and Monster Hunter Wilds. Make sure to catch up with our in-depth evaluations from the past month. Plus, stay tuned for this week’s top deals you won’t want to miss.