Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Alert

Microsoft marches toward its Messenger phase-out

Apr 1, 2013 1:50AM PDT
Countdown clock: Microsoft marches toward its Messenger phase-out

" A reminder for those using the desktop version of Windows Live Messenger: On April 8, Microsoft will begin moving the tens of millions of users of its consumer instant-messaging service to Skype"

In a week, on April 8, Microsoft is set to begin moving the tens of millions of users still on its desktop version of its Windows Live Messenger instant-messaging service to Skype IM. [Screenshot]

Microsoft will begin its worldwide phase-out of the desktop version of Messenger, starting with those in English-speaking countries, and ending with Portuguese. The entire "retirement" should be completed by April 30 or so, officials have said. (Skype officials are not providing a timetable as to when Microsoft plans to retire Messenger on mobile and/or multivendor platforms.)

Microsoft's Skype team has been prompting repeatedly via e-mail those who have not already proactively moved off Messenger about the impending phase-out.

Since Microsoft announced its updated timetable for phasing out Messenger in mid-February, I've received a number of questions from readers about the move. It took a while, but here are answers to some of those lingering questions, courtesy of a Skype spokesperson:

Q: Some Messenger users are concerned about an age restriction affecting some attempting to merge their Skype-Messenger contacts. Supposedly, users must be 18 to do this. But many kids use Messenger. What's the advice here?

Continued here: http://www.zdnet.com/countdown-clock-microsoft-marches-toward-its-messenger-phase-out-7000013347/

Discussion is locked