Microsoft to switch off Windows Messenger

On March 15, 2013, Microsoft’s Windows Messenger service will be switched of by the company. Microsoft has decided this as it wants the users to switch to Skype which the company had acquired in October 2011 for $8.5bn (£5.3bn).

To help users, Microsoft has added an upgrade button to its desktop Messenger that when clicked uninstalls Messenger and puts Skype in its place.

The Windows Live Messenger instant messaging program was known as MSN Messenger when it first launched in 1999. The service is used by about 300 million people every month.

• The service will remain functional only in China as it runs under license there.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2013