Transition From Windows Messenger to Skype Begins April 8

Microsoft today announced that its upgrade from Windows Live Messenger to Skype on Windows desktops will begin April 8 and take several weeks to complete.

The update will start with English speakers and finish with Brazilian Portuguese users on April 30 or later, the company said. It does not affect those in mainland China, where Messenger will continue to be available.

Microsoft first announced plans to ditch Messenger in favor of Skype in November. By last month, it reportedly notified customers that the 12-year-old service was officially going away on March 15. But ZDNet said that will only cover a test group for about 1 percent of users. The rest must wait until April.

"We want everyone who uses Messenger to have a positive experience," Microsoft's Skype marketing integration director, Parri Munsell, wrote in a blog post. "Upgrading to Skype can help you communicate in flexible ways, and be connected on more devices and platforms," including Windows, Mac, iOS, Windows Phone, Android, and soon BlackBerry.

In the meantime, Munsell published the link to a tutorial of a Messenger user getting acquainted with Skype and its instant messaging options, which includes features like emoticons, group messaging, and screen sharing. Microsoft also touted Skype's other advantages, like conversation history, the ability to edit or remove messages as well as and share files and contact information, instant messaging with Facebook friends, and group video calling.

Skype already updated its iOS app in November in order to let users sign on with their Microsoft accounts. Signing into Skype with an MS account will automatically transport a user's contacts, and allow chats with Messenger, Hotmail, and Outlook friends.

Meanwhile, VentureBeat reported that Skype will start rolling out video messaging to iOS, Android, and Mac apps today in the U.S, U.K., a several other countries.

Redmond officially completed its purchase of Skype in October 2011.

For more from Stephanie, follow her on Twitter @smlotPCMag.

Source: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2415488,00.asp?kc=PCRSS05039TX1K0000749

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