ICQ, the pioneering instant messaging client launched in 1996, will shut down on June 26, marking the end of an era for one of the first widely adopted IM services. Despite its early success, ICQ and other desktop IM clients have been overshadowed by mobile-first messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, which offer more advanced features. The evolution of IM services highlights the constant shift in communication technology, driven by user preferences and technological advancements.
Microsoft Teams has reached over 320 million active monthly users worldwide, with the company shipping its new Teams app that is faster and consumes less disk space compared to the classic app. However, Microsoft is facing pressure from rivals and the EU Commission to unbundle Teams from Microsoft Office. While Microsoft has already unbundled Teams from Office in certain regions, the EU Commission is analyzing the situation and may issue a statement of objections to Microsoft next year. Unbundling Teams from Office could potentially impact the unique selling point of Microsoft Office, which offers a package of productivity tools.
