Microsoft to turn off Windows Messenger on 15 March

[Evil Eye]

Microsoft is switching off its Windows Live Messenger service on 15 March.



On that date Messenger log-ins will no longer work and users must turn to Skype, said Microsoft in an email sent to all Messenger users.



The email also encouraged users to update to Skype and familiarise themselves with the service before the switch-off.



The service switch is a consequence of Microsoft's acquisition of Skype in October 2011 for $8.5bn (£5.3bn).



In November 2012, Microsoft announced that it was switching off Live Messenger in early 2013 but gave no firm date. At the same time, Microsoft made it possible for Messenger users to talk to and swap messages with contacts via Skype.



To help people migrate before 15 March, Microsoft has added an upgrade button to its desktop Messenger that when clicked uninstalls Messenger and puts Skype in its place.



Until the switch-off date Messenger would work as it always did, said Microsoft.



The Windows Live Messenger instant messaging program was known as MSN Messenger when it first launched in 1999. The service is believed to be used by about 300 million people every month.



China is the only nation in which Messenger will keep operating, because it is run under licence there.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20984820





Kinda annoying... sort of...

How do you guys feel about this?

 

[Jazzy]

Don't use it so I don't really care.



Anyone here use this?

 

[DrLeftover]

The only people that used windows messenger were spammers.

 

[Evil Eye]

Anyone here use this?

Kinda...

I never did log in a lot, but I logged in more some years ago... 'twas useful while it lasted.

 

[McConnaughay]

I moved on to Skype about two years ago, so this doesn't really affect me any. I was surprised to read this a few days ago though.

 

[Sinon]

This is quite annoying, as Skype is a step backwards. Microsoft seem to remove the features that are useful or innovative, and force the use of features that can be done on many other IMs instead. Two things I loved with MSN were being able to have coloured text (unavailable on Skype), and the drawing/handwriting mode (great for funny conversations and quick sketches). Now I'm forced to use Skype, which is stupid. If I minimize the program I have to click multiple times to be able to talk, as the typing cursor defaults to the search contacts bar, not the IM bar. >_>

 

[Flurry]

Wonder if that means those with email accounts with them will no longer be able to use them? Which would be an issue for me since I have a friend who uses a Live account.

 

[Evil Eye]

Wonder if that means those with email accounts with them will no longer be able to use them?

Nah, email should be fine. After all, you didn't need a Hotmail/Windows Live/Outlook account to use MSN/Live Messenger/Skype.