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Hello Skype: Microsoft Kills ‘Live Messenger’


Microsoft is to dump its instant ‘Windows Live Messenger’ system in favour of Skype IM messenger, it confirmed on a blog yesterday.

Its first move towards killing off ‘Live Messenger’ kicked off few weeks back, releasing Skype 6.0 for Mac and Windows, which allows users sign in using their Microsoft details. 

The change means you can sign into Skype using Microsoft account details. Messenger users need to update to the latest version of Skype, sign in and their Messenger contacts will be there.

Skype 6.0 also lets you log in using Facebook details.

Microsoft bought VOIP giant Skype last year for $8.5 billion.

“Millions of Messenger users will be able to reach their Messenger friends on Skype. By updating to Skype, Messenger users can instant message and video call their Messenger friends,” Tony Bates, Skype President said on Big Blog yesterday.

The Redmond software giant will retire Messenger worldwide in the first quarter of 2013 (with the exception of mainland China).

Microsoft-ers will now have more tools on its Skype messenger service including:

Broader device support for all platforms, including iPad and Android tablets, video calling and sharing screens to name but a few, Bates also pointed out.