Microsoft to turn off Windows Messenger on 15 March!

[karl]

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).


Full story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-20984820

[Abyssal Echo]

I don't use Microsoft Messenger but know people that do. Thanks for the post I'll let them know whats up so they can change to Skype

[project_icarus]

Nuuu.
Well, at least I can't say that I use MSN anymore... But still.

[Lost in the Echo]

Damn, that really sucks for anyone who uses it.

[Fractured Silhouette]

I'm pretty sure there has already been a thread on this story. (http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=157640&highlight=messenger)

It's a bit less specific, but it's basically the same thing.

[ackmedsgirl666]

does this mean i wont have access to my windows live account or just msn?
and how will this effect xbox

[Gandalf]

does this mean i wont have access to my windows live account or just msn?
and how will this effect xbox

The windows live account and xbox are unaffected. You will still be able to access your online games and e-mail account.

These changes only affect the messenger instant messaging programme which is comparable to skype. -There's no point in microsoft operating two identical services.

[joeyboy24]

it sucks, skype is more difficult to use but i guess ill have to learn how to use it since all my friends use msn, so we all need to learn how to use it

[Professional Russian]

it sucks, skype is more difficult to use but i guess ill have to learn how to use it since all my friends use msn, so we all need to learn how to use it

Skype is easy to use actually. It just takes some getting used to

[joeyboy24]

Skype is easy to use actually. It just takes some getting used to

ok thanks for that, im sure i will get use to it eventually

[thisisben]

not many people use Windows Messenger , and Skype is pretty much a modern MSN.... so im not too bothered.

[Fiction]

I haven't used msn in ages... but that's my childhood gone D:

[FreeFall]

My first thought was, what's MSN. Then I remembered it was the very first chat system I ever used. RIP MSN ;n;

[Magus]

Does the emails get cleared too? My important business email is in there.

[Quick_Sylver]

Fuck you Microsoft. I like my colors and I like my emoticons. -_- Default to Yahoo for general public time.

[Sugaree]

All these feels and nostalgia. Gone.

[Rayquaza]

Oh god, I remember the days when we had little GIF-animated smilies in our chats where I would send my friends fake viruses and shit. Yep, those were the days indeed. It sucks now that we HAVE to use skype now, but then Messenger became shit at 8.0. And if you don't know what that means, it basically became shit when it was called messenger, MSN 7.5 was my sort of day.

[project_icarus]

...There's no point in microsoft operating two identical services.

While I agree with this, I don't see how Skype and MSN are 'identical.' Yes, Skype is an instant messaging service, but it's also a VoIP service. Users can dial out on to the Public Switched Telephone Network at will, whereas MSN [-]is[/-] was strictly online.

And then with MSN. MSN was based on email addresses and Windows LIVE, Skype is standalone, as far as I know.

[Rayquaza]

A big plus side with Messenger was offline messaging. You don't really see that with Skype, instead you get that circular spinning wheel of death beside your message until they're online.

[Muscleteen]

Pity, but I never use it anymore. The world has moved on. :P

[Jess]

That's nice to know..

life goes on. I never liked MSN or any IM anyways.