Windows Live Messenger will close globally

[History Hunter]

Microsoft has announced that Windows Live Messenger will be retired in the first quarter of 2013, to be fully replaced by Skype.

When Skype 6.0 went live for both Windows and Mac at the end of October a feature was included that allowed users to sign in using their Microsoft accounts. It has now been confirmed, following much speculation, that Messenger will migrate into Skype - with Microsoft account contacts now on show when signed into Skype.

Microsoft purchased Skype for a reported $8.5 billion in May 2011 and some will see the migration of the popular instant messaging platform into the Skype platform as an inevitability. Skype users are also able to instant message with their Facebook friends as well, meaning the platform is now a one-stop-shop for all your IM needs.

"Our goal remains to deliver the best communications experience for everyone, everywhere," said Tony Bates, president of the Skype division at Microsoft. "We want to focus our efforts on making things simpler for our users while continuously improving the overall experience.

"We will work with you over the next few months to help you transition and offer information and help along the way."

Windows Live Messenger will close globally, with the exception of China where it will run alongside Skype.

Check out what the web is saying about Skype with Bing

[Old Git John]

Thank you for that. I used to use Skype, and found it really good, so, it may be worth another go next year.

[petethedig]

Thanks for that Tony.

[Deetektor]

I use Skype now and again to talk to friends in the US and Australia.
Haven't used Messenger in years.

[Donnydave]

I use Skype to stay in touch with mates in Australia

[Deetektor]

I believe Hotmail will become Outlook.

I've had a problem with my Hotmail this week, and have been trying without luck, to get it re enabled.
If you can't log in, it seems to be impossible to contact anyone at Hotmail, you just get automated responses. Which lead you around in circles.