Skype to replace Microsoft Messenger in March

Microsoft on Wednesday sent out word that it will "retire" its Messenger online chat feature on March 15 and replace it with the Skype Internet telephony service it bought last year.

Microsoft sent an email message advising Messenger users to update to Skype using their same account information in advance of the deadline.

"You'll be able to instant message and video chat...just like before, and also discover new ways of staying in touch with Skype on your mobile and tablet," Microsoft said in the message.

The Redmond, Washington-based technology giant announced in November that it was shutting down Messenger in favor of merging users into Skype.

The transition began late last year with the release of Skype 6.0 software that lets people sign in to the online communication service using Microsoft accounts. Messenger will be shut off in every country but China.

AFP