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Microsoft to migrate Messenger users to Skype starting 8 April

Microsoft to migrate Messenger users to Skype starting 8 April

By Anupam Saxena | Updated: 18 February 2013 11:41 IST

More than a month after Microsoft started sending emails to Messenger users informing them about the migration to Skype, a new blog post on the Skype blog informs that the process would start on 8 April for Messenger users on Windows, and would be completed in a few weeks. The upgrade would start with migrating English users conclude with migrating users on Brazilian Portuguese client on 30 April or later, with the exception of mainland China where Messenger will continue to be available.

Skype has also added links to a tutorial for Messenger users introducing them to Skype and its instant messaging experience.

Last month, Microsoft had started sending mails to Messenger users confirming that they would be migrated to Skype on March 15 and that the service will be shutdown in all countries except China the same day. So it looks like Microsoft has given Messenger users a few more days to prepare for the transition.

Skype, which was acquired by Microsoft in May 2011, has been synonymous with voice/ video calling since launch but, of course, has text-based chatting (IM) support built-in as well. Skype 6 paved the way for Windows Live Messenger integration by letting users login with their Microsoft credentials, aside from adding Facebook integration as well. Users can login to Skype using their Microsoft accounts, following which they are presented with the option of signing-in via their Skype user ID and of merging their Skype account with their Microsoft ID.

In November last year, media reports caught hold of Microsoft's plan to retire its Live Messenger service in favour of Skype. Microsoft promptly confirmed the plans saying it "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)."

Last week, Skype had updated its Windows and Mac applications bringing in the ability to send gift cards from within the apps.

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