Skype ending third-party Extras program, starting today

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If you're a user and supporter of Skype's Extras program, which is aimed at helping third-party developers create useful add-ons for the software, then your fun is soon coming to an end. According to The Download Blog, the popular VoIP software developer will be ending the inclusion of this program beginning today, due to an unfortunate lack of usage.

The news went out to customers through an email, as well as via a blog post on the official Skype blog. Just because the program is being canceled, however, you shouldn't go thinking that you won't be able to use any Extras at all any more; this is far from the truth, and Skype cleared up a few questions regarding this on their blog, stating:

[Skype] will no longer certify new Extras. However, all existing Extras will stay certified until their expiration dates and all unused test tickets will be reimbursed.
[Skype] will continue to distribute applications through the existing Extras Manager in Skype for Windows, but will no longer add new Extras.
All public API documents will continue to be maintained.
Skype will continue to support accessories via the Public API.
The Skype shop will continue to feature currently listed Extras.

Unfortunately, as many of the Extras are sold for a fee, developers will be impacted by this financially. According to The Download Blog, they have been given until December 11 to use their Skype Credit, and until January 25 to submit a final invoice, which still gives them a bit of time to get things in order. It should also be pointed out that this event is unrelated to the recent sale of Skype to a group of private investors.

(2 replies) #1 Sam Symons on 11 Sep 2009 - 23:00

Dunno about you, but I didn't actually know about the Extras until today. Then again, I don't use Skype often.

#1.1 Nick Brunt on 11 Sep 2009 - 23:42

Same

#1.2 dvb2000 on 12 Sep 2009 - 04:55

Sam Symons said,

No big deal - they are pretty useless and just make you're computer bog down. I always install Skype WITHOUT the extra's, and that makes my Skype start instantly, with no SkypePM sucking up resources on my computer.

(1 reply) #2 Andrew Lyle on 11 Sep 2009 - 23:05

The Skype shop will continue to feature currently listed Extras.

The same extra's they are discontinuing?

#2.1 omnicoder on 11 Sep 2009 - 23:12

Andrew Lyle said,

They're discounting the Skype extras program itself, but any existing extras will stay.

(1 reply) #3 DO_A_BARREL_ROLL on 11 Sep 2009 - 23:43

What were the new options?

#3.1 cabron on 12 Sep 2009 - 00:25

DO_A_BARREL_ROLL said,

Google Voice

(4 replies) #4 TonyLock on 11 Sep 2009 - 23:52

Thank God!

#4.1 +TCLN Ryster on 12 Sep 2009 - 00:43

TonyLock said,

Thank God? Why exactly? Did the extras damage or offend you in some way?

#4.2 +Chipshop on 12 Sep 2009 - 10:46

Many were badly written junk.

#4.3 Shiranui on 14 Sep 2009 - 01:43

Which one?

#4.4 Magallanes on 14 Sep 2009 - 14:12

May be Krholl, god of the troll.

(1 reply) #5 NCalliari on 12 Sep 2009 - 00:00

Yeah, about time they did this!
Saves me unchecking 'Install Extras' every time I install Skype.
Glad they are going back to the basics and focusing resources there instead of diluting the product with useless 'Extras'.

#5.1 iamwhoiam on 12 Sep 2009 - 07:39

Or, you could have downloaded the .MSI, which doesn't have the extras, and used it to install instead.

(1 reply) #6 SuperKid on 12 Sep 2009 - 20:25

I love skype, great app for me, glad they are removing the extras they are just useful in my opinion.

#6.1 Magallanes on 14 Sep 2009 - 14:11

say what?

#7 Quikboy on 13 Sep 2009 - 05:44

I'm surprised. I thought Extras would be a more cooler thing. I never bought any because I don't have the cash or use Skype often, but it seemed nice to have it available. I wish there was an 'Extras' store for Windows Live Messenger personally, just to make them easier to find, possibly buy and download.

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