Microsoft set to replace Windows Live/MSN Messenger with Skype (Confirmed)

[Matt]

Microsoft may be working to completely retire Windows Live Messenger (formerly named MSN Messenger) in the coming months, with plans to integrate the service into Skype, reports the Verge.

An official announcement revealing this change could come as soon as this week, although Microsoft has yet to confirm or deny anything. This decision would make quite a lot of sense, if true, as Microsoft has been in the process of retiring the entire Windows Live brand for months.

Windows Live Messenger relies on Microsoft’s Messenger service — the same service that is already being used to support Skype. Having a shared architecture could be an early sign that a merger is coming. Additionally, consolidating services like this would reduce the potential confusion that duplicate options often cause.

Microsoft only released Windows Live Messenger 2012 back in August, which suggests that the company is taking its time moving things over. As of 2009, Windows Live Messenger had over 330 million monthly active users. At the very least, this means that Skype will soon see a major jump in numbers.

http://thenextweb.com/microsoft/2012/11/05/microsoft-may-retire-windows-live-messenger-in-the-coming-months-and-integrated-into-skype/

[King Gizzard]

They destroyed it when they changled it to Windows live messenger anyway

[Jack_]

:o

[Munchkins]

I love skype so its fine
perfect for type chatting, and video and mic

[Doogle]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I still use MSN

[Me. I Am Salman]

Stopped using MSN years ago

[Marc]

Haven't used MSN in years!

[Saph]

I still use msn to talk to people from youtube :laugh: I used to rule the ANTM community on YT until i got suspended

[reece(:]

I use both, prefer Skype though

[Ithinkiloveyoutoo]

Ae memories.

[Ramsay]

G5A3Blt1Ipw

[Black Dagger]

NO NO NO NO NO.

I still use MSN every-day. :idc:

[Niall]

It makes perfect sense. The Skype client is nicer than MSN's too.

[Doogle]

I just downloaded Skype and I'm scared you can't keep message history and it's different and I just don't like it

[Jessica.]

I just downloaded Skype and I'm scared you can't keep message history and it's different and I just don't like it

The history stays inside the conversation silly. :joker:

I use Skype constantly, it's wonderful. :D

[Shaun]

unless Skype starts allowing sounds and adding your own emoticons this is terrible news :(

[Brother Leon]

MSN multi people convos back in secondary school..ahh good times.

[Matt]

Microsoft has confirmed the news today :(

Confirming earlier reports, Microsoft officially announced today it would be retiring its Windows Live Messenger instant messaging service in favor of Skype. According to a post on the Skype blog, Microsoft’s President of Skype Division, Tony Bates, told users that Windows Live Messenger would be retired for all users in the first quarter of 2013, with the only exception being mainland China.

Windows Live Messenger will live on in China, with no announced termination date for the service there. Microsoft notes that the move to migrate users from Windows Live Messenger to Skype begin with the release of Skype 6.0 for Mac and Windows, a fews weeks ago. In that version, users could begin to sign into Skype using a Microsoft account. Messenger contacts are brought over as well. The Skype app available for Windows Surface/Windows 8 PCs forces this change as well – once you sign in, you’re prompted to merge your Microsoft account with your Skype account.

http://techcrunch.com/2012/11/06/end-of-an-era-windows-live-messenger-to-be-retired-users-transitioned-to-skype/

[Black Dagger]

Urgh awful ********.

If I lose my CeCe and Rylan emoticons there will be trouble :idc:

[MTVN]

MSN multi people convos back in secondary school..ahh good times.

Yeah it was great from about year 7-9, haven't used it in years though. Don't use Skype much either, just to talk to a few old secondary school mates every now then

[Jack_]

The end of an era :(