Microsoft Retiring Windows Live Messenger in 2013

[Andy Chalk]

Microsoft Retiring Windows Live Messenger in 2013

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows Live Messenger is being phased out in favor of Skype.

In what he described as an ongoing effort to "deliver the best communications experience for everyone, everywhere," Tony Bates, president of Microsoft's Skype division, announced today that Windows Live Messenger will be replaced by Skype early next year.

"We will retire Messenger in all countries worldwide in the first quarter of 2013 (with the exception of mainland China where Messenger will continue to be available)," he wrote in a blog post.

Messenger users who sign into the latest version of Skype with their Microsoft account can now merge the two into a single account, which will automatically incorporate their buddy list into their Skype contacts. Other advantages include video calling from mobiles, group video calling, sharing screens and of course support for a wider range of support for devices including iPad and Android tablets.

"We will work with you over the next few months to help you transition and offer information and help along the way," Bates wrote. "To help you learn how to get the most out of Skype, be on the lookout for some special offers later this year."

Source: Skype Big Blog [http://blogs.skype.com/en/2012/11/skypewlm.html]


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[Dogstile]

Suppose I should actually start signing into Skype rather than messenger now. Its on my pc, i've just never used it.

Yes people, someone actually does still use it.

 

[Belzera]

Boo... As someone who uses Messenger over Skype... I do not like this news.

 

[Adiona]

BAH!

I use Messenger over skype....I've used it for so many years and I still many contacts on it who use it...*sighs*

 

[gardian06]

well at least Microsoft is finally using their purchase, so does that mean that there is already a skype account with the same name as my messenger ID?

 

[Beautiful End]

I do prefer Messenger over Skype. It's just easier to run.

Well, that sucks. Guess I better say goodbye to my friends now.

 

[ritchards]

Wait... what? ... there's a Windows Live Messenger?

 

[Tiger Sora]

Well, I did always like messenger, but I have been using Skype more often now. Sucks I'll have to go through the process of merging my accounts.

I do have one grievance with Skype, the fact I have to open up task manager to close the freakin program. Stupid Microsoft.

 

[Slash2x]

Ok am I the only one who read this and said wait......... Skype from my Kinect to my Android phone...........

 

[l3o2828]

Well...That's worrying.
Is there anyway to have group chats in Skype?
You see, all of my online friends are always grouped in what we call the Random Commite, a MSN group that we use to chat altogheter. but that looks like it's going to be jeopardized by this...

 

[cidbahamut]

People used Windows Live Messenger? Since when...??

 

[T3hSource]

Here,people use Skype as their default messenger since 2004.Before 4.0 it wasn't THAT resource heavy,but it got worse,and then MS bought them and things haven't gone any prettier than that.
On the bright side Skype supports cameras.

 

[Candidus]

That's a pity. I despise Skype.

Who the hell cobbled together the current default UI noises (any of them) and said "YEP, THAT'S GONNA MAKE PEOPLE WANT TO USE THE PROGRAM."

Nopenopenope-uninstall uninstall uninstall uninstall uninstall...

 

[cidbahamut]

Well...That's worrying.
Is there anyway to have group chats in Skype?
You see, all of my online friends are always grouped in what we call the Random Commite, a MSN group that we use to chat altogheter. but that looks like it's going to be jeopardized by this...

Group chat is super easy in Skype, whether it's voice chat or text. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[l3o2828]

Well...That's worrying.
Is there anyway to have group chats in Skype?
You see, all of my online friends are always grouped in what we call the Random Commite, a MSN group that we use to chat altogheter. but that looks like it's going to be jeopardized by this...

Group chat is super easy in Skype, whether it's voice chat or text. I wouldn't worry about it.

Oh thank god, If this forum had a +reputation function i would +rep you.
Inb4 someone reads that as rape.

ALSO: Captcha Yahoo! Describe this brand with any words...lol

 

[gardian06]

Well, I did always like messenger, but I have been using Skype more often now. Sucks I'll have to go through the process of merging my accounts.

I do have one grievance with Skype, the fact I have to open up task manager to close the freakin program. Stupid Microsoft.

you should be able to do the same from the system tray (the arrow near the clock) right click on the icon, and click "Quit" (you can also use this to modify your status, and open the main panel if you have closed all the windows.

 

[gardian06]

That's a pity. I despise Skype.

Who the hell cobbled together the current default UI noises (any of them) and said "YEP, THAT'S GONNA MAKE PEOPLE WANT TO USE THE PROGRAM."

Nopenopenope-uninstall uninstall uninstall uninstall uninstall...

you know you can change those right?

 

[Gabanuka]

Me and my friends have been using it for years. Its the best way to have group text conversations in the background while you compute.

 

[jFr[e]ak93]

I find the part where Mainland China gets to keep it rather funny. Why? I don't know. Maybe they just love their Messenger there?

OT - Let's hope they do this with IE, Bing and Movie Maker.