14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has finally confirmed that it would retire Windows Live Messenger in the first quarter of 2013, so all those who are currently using this app will have no other choice than to migrate to Skype.
The Redmond-based technology company calls this “good news” and claims that it’s not killing Windows Live Messenger, but instead it brings “Skype and Messenger” together.
“By updating to Skype, Messenger users can instant message and video call their Messenger friends,” the Skype team said in a blog post.
Basically, the whole transition is supposed to make things easier and thus allow those already using Skype and Messenger at the same time to install just a single app for two different purposes.
Skype 6.0 for Mac and Windows comes with Microsoft account support, so you can already log in with your Messenger ID and start chatting just like you do it on WLM.
“We want to focus our efforts on making things simpler for our users while continuously improving the overall experience. 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),” the team explained.
In addition, Microsoft is apparently preparing some “special offers” for those who dump Messenger in favor of Skype, but information on this remains pretty scarce at this point.
“We will work with you over the next few months to help you transition and offer information and help along the way. To help you learn how to get the most out of Skype, be on the lookout for some special offers later this year as you join your Messenger friends in the migration,” the Skype team explained.
Of course, you can already download Skype 6.0 for Windows 7 and previous versions right from Softpedia using this link.
If you have already deployed Windows 8, you may want to have a look at this special version of Skype instead.