Skype ending third-party Extras program, starting today

If you're a user and supporter of Skype's Extras program, which is aimed at helping third-party developers create useful add-ons for the software, then your fun is soon coming to an end. According to The Download Blog, the popular VoIP software developer will be ending the inclusion of this program beginning today, due to an unfortunate lack of usage.

The news went out to customers through an email, as well as via a blog post on the official Skype blog. Just because the program is being canceled, however, you shouldn't go thinking that you won't be able to use any Extras at all any more; this is far from the truth, and Skype cleared up a few questions regarding this on their blog, stating:

[Skype] will no longer certify new Extras. However, all existing Extras will stay certified until their expiration dates and all unused test tickets will be reimbursed.
[Skype] will continue to distribute applications through the existing Extras Manager in Skype for Windows, but will no longer add new Extras.
All public API documents will continue to be maintained.
Skype will continue to support accessories via the Public API.
The Skype shop will continue to feature currently listed Extras.

Unfortunately, as many of the Extras are sold for a fee, developers will be impacted by this financially. According to The Download Blog, they have been given until December 11 to use their Skype Credit, and until January 25 to submit a final invoice, which still gives them a bit of time to get things in order. It should also be pointed out that this event is unrelated to the recent sale of Skype to a group of private investors.