Skype Qik
Developer(s) | Microsoft (as the Microsoft Skype division) |
---|---|
Initial release | October 14, 2014 |
Final release | |
Operating system | |
Video messaging | |
License | Proprietary |
Website | www |
Redwood City, CA, USA (2007 ) | |
Founder |
|
---|---|
Defunct | April 30, 2014 |
Fate | Acquired by Skype Technologies |
Skype Qik
Previously, the Qik service offered a mobile-based live
Qik was compatible with approximately 140+ cell phones.
The company's
.It was announced on January 6, 2011, at CES, that Skype had acquired Qik for a sum of $150 million.[8][9]
On February 22, 2016, Microsoft announced their plans to retire the Skype Qik app on March 24 citing low usage.[10] Many features from the app have been integrated into the Skype app.[11]
History
Qik was founded in a garage by Ramu Sunkara, Bhaskar Roy and Nikolay Abkairov in 2006.[12]
In April 2008, Qik received $3 million (~$4.17 million in 2023) in Series B
In mid-2009, Qik received another round of funding under $5.5 million (~$7.59 million in 2023) from Peter Loukianoff at Almaz Capital and Quest Venture Partners, and some private investors.[15]
In January 2011, Skype acquired Qik for $150 million.[16][17]
On March 19, 2014, Skype and Qik users received emails announcing the original Qik service was being retired. Notification of the impending shut-down was also posted on the company website. The Qik service was subsequently shut down on April 30, 2014.
The new Skype Qik service was launched on October 14, 2014.[18]
After 9 years of service, on February 23, 2016, Microsoft decided to shut down Qik, therefore users will no longer be able to send or receive any messages via the video chat application. However, the company has also stated that many features of Qik are available via the Skype app.
See also
References
- ^ "Skype Qik: Group Video Messaging". iTunes Preview. Apple. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
- ^ "Skype Qik: Group Video Messaging". Google Play Store. Google. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
- ^ "Skype Qik". Windows Phone Apps + Games. Microsoft. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
- Wall Street Journal. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
- ^ Kincaid, Jason (July 20, 2008). "Start Streaming: Qik Opens To The Public". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 3, 2008.
- ^ Nicholas, Deleon (April 28, 2009). "Qik goes into public Beta". techcrunch.com. Archived from the original on March 30, 2010. Retrieved April 28, 2009.
- ^ Official Qik website (April 27, 2009). "Supported Phones for Qik". qik.com. Archived from the original on April 17, 2009. Retrieved April 27, 2009.
- ^ Confirmed: Skype Buys Mobile Video Startup Qik
- ^ Skype announces plans to acquire Qik
- ^ Hachman, Mark (February 22, 2016). "The Skype Qik app was redundant, so Microsoft is shutting it down". Retrieved February 22, 2016.
- ^ Perez, Sarah (February 22, 2016). "Skype Kills Its Standalone Video Messaging App Qik". TechCrunch. Retrieved February 22, 2016.
- ^ Moon, Bernard (November 4, 2012). "Qik Founder's Story: Taking Mobile Video Out Of The Garage And Putting It Into The Hands Of Skype". TechCrunch. Retrieved July 23, 2023.
- ^ Liz Gannes (April 27, 2009). "Qik confirms funding, Shares plans". newteevee.com. Archived from the original on April 21, 2009. Retrieved April 27, 2009.
- ^ Dawn Kawamoto (April 27, 2009). "Qik attracts Andreessen-Horowitz investment". cnet.com. Retrieved April 27, 2009.
- ^ Kee, Tameka (July 8, 2009). "Qik Nabs $5.5 Million In Funding For Mobile Video Streaming". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved July 30, 2009.
- ^ Confirmed: Skype Buys Mobile Video Startup Qik
- ^ Skype announces plans to acquire Qik
- ^ Kosur, James (March 20, 2014). "Qik Shutting Its Doors On April 30, Will Refund Paying Customers". Social News Daily.