Skype have just introduced a new ‘feature’ called Conversation Ads, which displays advertisements during audio calls. Which sucks. To nobody’s surprise they’re trying to spin the feature as somehow good for users –  apparently the ads “could spark additional topics of conversation that are relevant to Skype users and highlight unique and local brand experiences.”

The Skype Blog tells us that

“you should think of Conversation Ads as a way for Skype to generate fun interactivity between your circle of friends and family and the brands you care about.”

Self-delusion is hard.

Especially weird is the fact that Conversation Ads, that generator of fun interactivity, only appears for users who don’t have a subscription to Skype or have run out of Skype credits. Which means you now have to pay Skype money for them not to interrupt your audio calls with advertising.

This, incidentally, is what happens when Microsoft takes control of something.

[Source: SkypeBlog]