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29 March 2024

Microsoft’s ‘special offers’ bait for dumping MSN Messenger in favour of Skype

Published
By Vicky Kapur

The Redmond-based Microsoft has finally confirmed rumours that it will retire its Windows Live Messenger client – a.k.a. MSN Messenger – in favour of the more popular voice-and-video call Skype service.

Those still using the MSN Messenger (really, who?) have until the first quarter of 2013 to migrate to Skype, after which the Windows Live Messenger service will ‘retire’.

“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 Skype team said in a blog posting.

In the post, Team Skype says the plan to kill Messenger “started with the release of Skype 6.0 for Mac and Windows a few weeks ago, which allows you to sign into Skype using a Microsoft account. Now 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.”

In addition, Microsoft is preparing to convince die-hard MSN Messenger fans (are there still any left out there – make yourselves heard, guys) with ‘special offers’ to dump Messenger in favour of Skype.

“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 blog states.

In what was its largest ever acquisition, Microsoft took over Skype for a hefty $8.5 billion in May last year, and it was announced that Skype would become a division within Microsoft, with Skype’s former CEO Tony Bates – now its president – reporting to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

Unveiled about a fortnight ago, the latest version of Skype (6.0 for Mac and Windows Desktop), has paved the way for Windows Live Messenger integration by letting users login with their Microsoft credentials, aside from adding Facebook integration.

The service also added the ‘Retina Display Support’ for devices with such specifications, notably from Microsoft’s rival Apple Inc. “We also added another feature you've asked for – support Retina display.

Now you can take full advantage of improved usability and of higher resolution screens,” the Skype blog said.