Microsoft has announced that they will be retiring their Messenger service on the 15th of March 2013. Users of the service will have to move over to Skype, which Microsoft acquired back in May of 2011 in a deal worth $8.5 billion.
Microsoft’s Messenger has a total of 100 million users around the world, and Microsoft has now sent out emails to their users asking them to update Messenger to Skype.
On the 15th of March, Microsoft will retire their Messenger service around the world, except in China, where Microsoft have said that the service will continue to be available.
The Transition from Messenger to Skype
If you update your Microsoft Messenger to Skype, you will be able to merge your Messenger account and your Skype account, and all your contacts will be available in Skype once you have transferred over. This transition is designed to be seamless, ensuring that users do not lose any of their contacts or chat history. Skype offers a range of features that were not available on Messenger, such as video calling, screen sharing, and the ability to call landlines and mobile phones. These additional features make Skype a more versatile and powerful communication tool compared to Messenger.
Why the Change?
The decision to retire Messenger in favor of Skype is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to streamline its services and focus on platforms that offer the most value to users. Since acquiring Skype, Microsoft has been integrating its features into various products, including Outlook and Xbox. By consolidating Messenger and Skype, Microsoft aims to provide a unified communication experience that leverages Skype’s advanced capabilities.
For users who are still using Messenger, now might be a good time to switch over to Skype, as there are just a couple of months before Microsoft will shut down Messenger. The process of updating to Skype is straightforward. Users need to download the latest version of Skype and sign in with their Microsoft account. Once logged in, they will be prompted to merge their Messenger contacts with their Skype contacts.
The move to Skype also aligns with the growing trend of video communication. With the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, tools like Skype have become essential for both personal and professional communication. Skype’s ability to support group video calls and its integration with other Microsoft services make it a valuable tool for staying connected.
Moreover, Skype’s cross-platform compatibility ensures that users can stay connected regardless of the device they are using. Whether on a PC, Mac, smartphone, or tablet, Skype provides a consistent and reliable communication experience. This flexibility is particularly important in today’s fast-paced, mobile world.
In conclusion, while the retirement of Messenger may be disappointing for some long-time users, the transition to Skype offers numerous benefits. With its advanced features, seamless integration with other Microsoft products, and cross-platform compatibility, Skype is well-positioned to meet the communication needs of users in the modern digital age. So, if you haven’t already, make the switch to Skype and enjoy a more robust and versatile communication experience.
Source The Next Web
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