I think it's still pretty common in business. I actually did a web-based interview for a Unicorn Silicon Valley startup over it. So there's that.

This isn't _the_ Skype though, it's the old lync with a new design. You _think_ you can just join a conference call with your normal skype app, but instead, you need to use their "web" app.

Using the term web app you might think that you can just point your browser at the URL and join, however, they've opted to make you download something where the actual conference takes place.

Interviews do mostly use the real Skype, not Skype for Business.

Clearly you don't listen to NPR News. Basically everyone not in a public radio studio is talking on Skype and they say so.

If they constantly say they are using Skype it's because they are being paid to say so, not because they are actually using Skype (which they could be, of course).

They say they're using Skype because the Skype Broadcast Terms of Service require them to say it: https://www.skype.com/en/legal/broadcast/

It could also be that "Skype" has become the generic catch-all term for video chatting on desktop, since it rolls off the tongue way easier than "video call."

Obviously a lot of people give a damn about the most reliable service for voice calls. WhatsApp calls are still unreliable, Google hangouts is semi-decent.

As for public usage, if you watch YouTube, Derek from Veritasium always uses Skype to call scientists.

I use it every day with my remote co-workers.

Still better than web based solutions like Google Meet, Appear, Slack, etc. Specially for group calls and screen sharing.

Have you tried zoom? It works well for the video conferencing, screen sharing and chat (to send links that are annoying to read out aloud and retype).

No, the free version only allows 40 mins group calls.

https://zoom.us/pricing

40 minutes at a time is enough to test it and if it works much better than skype it might be worth the money. Also video calls between two parties are unlimited and what I need most of the time.

Well, Skype works quite well nowadays, it's one of the most reliable voice services I use and the best part, it doesn't need a binary, it works out-of-the-box through the webpage.

I use it all day every day. They are definitely doing a terrible job with it, but just based on the fact of all my contacts having it (work and personal), it's the best thing to use.