With Skype is swiped off my smart TV

PEOPLE who use their TVs to video chat are blowing a fuse after the Skype app stopped working on tellies.

In June, Samsung told customers their smart sets would no longer support the use of Skype.

A reader called Patricia wrote to tell me this came as a shock because she had forked out for her Samsung TV so she could talk to loved ones via the app.

She bought it two years ago from a reputable retailer.

But when she demanded a refund they refused. They said Samsung had the right to withdraw any apps at any time. THE LEGAL POSITION Patricia bought the set under the Sale of Goods Act 1979.

Under that law, and the 2015 Consumer Rights Act that replaced it, goods must be fit for the purpose for which they were sold.

People buying Samsung sets agree a disclaimer before using the smart services, which include all apps. It explains that support for the services can be removed.

But this statement is put to buyers after purchase.

Whether Patricia, f r om Peterborough, Cambs, is entitled to a refund depends on what was advertised and promised.

If the sale information and marketing materials said it was a “smart” television with use of various apps, then losing one app, in my opinion, would mean it is still fit for purpose. It is still a TV.

But if the description stated it was a TV that could be used for Skype, it may not be fit for purpose from the moment the app was no longer available.

Patricia can no longer remember the precise description or point of sale information.

But she was certain that it said the TV could be used for Skype and that this was the reason she chose it. In the circumstances it looks like good news for Patricia. She should have solid grounds to claim that it is now not fit for the purpose for which it was sold and, as a consequence, she should have a refund or replacement.

However, the retailer will be entitled to deduct some money from the refund.

This will take into account the fact that Patricia has had two years’ use out of the set.

And that means she won’t exactly enjoy a big windfall.