Microsoft to retire Messenger in replace with Skype

Microsoft recently announced that they are retiring the Windows-based Messenger application. In replacement, the company integrated the popular Internet communication service Skype almost two months ago and is now ready to be utilized.

Skype’s Tony Bates, in a blog post, said that the “Messenger users just need to update to the latest version of Skype, sign in using a Microsoft account, and their Messenger contacts will be there. Messenger users can instant message and video call their Messenger friends [with Skype].”

Microsoft, on the other hand, made a clear announcement that the Messenger application for Windows will no longer be available come first quarter of 2013. This does not include Messenger users in mainland China.

Skype’s release of the 6.0 version both for Mac and Windows systems marked the start of the integration. With the two brands coming together, Messenger users will now have access to broader features from that of the traditional ones includeing device support in iPads and Android tablets, video calling, and calling landlines and mobiles all in one place, screen sharing, video calling on mobile phones, video calling with Facebook friends, and group video calling.

More promising improvements are coming soon says Microsoft’s Brian Hall. This includes Skype’s ability to work hand-in-hand with Outlook.com.

Photo Credit: Skype

This post was first published at KabayanTech.