Microsoft to retire Messenger, begins migration to Skype

[Stephen!]

http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/06/microsoft-to-retire-messenger-begin-migration-to-skype/

We've heard plenty of rumors about Microsoft's plans for Skype. Finally the company is laying its cards on the table. After working diligently to bridge the gap between Messenger and its VoIP purchase, its aging IM platform will indeed be retired and users migrated to the more video-focused property. Redmond hopes to complete the move during the first quarter of 2013, after which Messenger will be retired everywhere except in mainland China. Users of both services will be able to merge their accounts and combine their contacts, while those with only a Microsoft account will have to transition to a Skype one. Though, rest assured, your Messenger buddy list will automatically be transferred. With the imminent death of this MSN descendant, it's clear that Microsoft is positioning Skype not just as a VoIP client, but as an all-in-one messaging solution meant to take on the likes of Google Talk, with its Voice and Hangouts features.

 

[Tom Hendricks]

Smartest decision Microsoft has ever made.

 

[Random_Spock]

No. Guess I won't be using their im again. Had a BAD experience with Skype (as in a computer crash) and will NEVER be using it again. Wish they went with Cisco instead, since that seems to be a more stable program.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

The mind boggles as to why no one just comes up with a video transport protocol over XMPP. Christ.

 

[JoeZhang]

No. Guess I won't be using their im again. Had a BAD experience with Skype (as in a computer crash) and will NEVER be using it again. Wish they went with Cisco instead, since that seems to be a more stable program.

The fundamental underpinnings of skype have changed over the six months, while it looks the same to users, how it actually works is very different.

 

[Random_Spock]

No. Guess I won't be using their im again. Had a BAD experience with Skype (as in a computer crash) and will NEVER be using it again. Wish they went with Cisco instead, since that seems to be a more stable program.

The fundamental underpinnings of skype have changed over the six months, while it looks the same to users, how it actually works is very different.

Doesn't make a difference. Used it recently and it wasn't worth a crap. Never would use it again. Wish Meebo was still around. Didn't have to download and install it... and it was really easy and user friendly.