Skype retiring third-party Extras

Starting Friday, Skype is effectively pulling the plug on its Extras program, which was designed to help third-party developers create add-ons for Skype's VoIP service (Windows | Mac)--like emoticon enhancements, backup services, and music player plug-ins. Unlike Firefox's similar third-party extensions, not enough people were installing Skype Extras, Skype said in both an e-mail and in a blog post to developers.

Developers and users will have some adjustment time, though. Skype won't certify any new submissions, but it won't yank support for existing Extras either, that is, until their certificates expire. You'll still be able to install existing Extras through the Windows desktop client, and you'll still see them featured in the Skype shop. Skype will also continue to maintain its public application programming interface.

Since many Skype Extras are sold to users as premium content, the shutdown also has a financial impact for profiting developers. They'll have two months, until December 11, to continue using Skype Credit. Developers will need to submit a final invoice by January 25; after that Skype will shutter its third-party shop.

Skype's shucking of its Extras service is unconnected to former parent company eBay's auctioning it off to a lucrative bidder. However, under new ownership, we could see even more changes to the well-known VoIP communicator. Stay tuned.