With Windows 8 now out and selling in volume, Microsoft has somewhat turned its attentions to other important software implementations. As well as beginning to sell prepaid Skype credit in outlets across Mexico and the United Kingdom, it looks as though Skype will become the Redmond outfit’s primary instant messaging service, retiring the long-standing Windows Live Messenger.
For as long as many of us can remember, instant messaging on Windows has been done through Windows Live Messenger, with MSN being the alias used prior to that. When you’ve paid as much for a company as Microsoft has, though, you’ve gotta get the name out there as much as possible, and by replacing Windows Live with the Skype app, the software maker will draw in more users to the popular VoIP service.
As per a report over at TheVerge, the transition will be made during the course of the coming months, and although Microsoft has not confirmed the change, TheVerge cites several Microsoft sources. Moreover, it would seem even more than logical – for the reasons already outlined – for Windows Live to be retired. It’s fair to say Windows Live Messenger is part of the "old" Windows image, but with Windows 8 having just arrived with its Metro/Modern user-interface, such old software branding looks rather redundant.
I have to admit, I was originally a little skeptical of Microsoft’s purchase of Skype, no less due to the sheer amount of money involved. While it’s too early to label it a rousing success, I can certainly see the decision to acquire Skype as one which will pay dividends in the long run. In terms of software, it’s filled a void Microsoft had in its repertoire, and with Windows Phone 8 also benefiting greatly from deep Skype integration, Steve Ballmer’s company will be a significant force on mobile as well as desktop.
Supposedly, the announcement of Windows Live Messenger’s demise will be very soon, with sources suggesting Microsoft could make everything official as early as this week. If and when an official word does arrive, we’ll be sure to give you guys the heads-up, so make sure you stay tuned to our coverage here at Redmond Pie!
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