Skype Will Replace Windows Live Messenger On April 8

Microsoft has confirmed that it will retire Windows Live Messenger in favour of Skype on 8 April, while it has also started testing video messaging on some versions of the Skype VoIP client.

It was first announced that Skype would replace Messenger last year and it was believed that the changing of the guard would happen in March, however the upgrade will now start in April and should be completed by April 30.

The English language version clients will be the first to make the change with the Brazilian Portuguese version the last. Windows Live Messenger will continue to be available in China however.

Skype replaces Windows Live Messenger

Skype says that users of Windows Live Messenger will continue to have many of the features that they currently enjoy, such as group instant messaging, emoticions and screen sharing, along with many new advantages, like conversation histories, the ability to edit and remove messages, Facebook integration and group video calling.

“We want everyone who uses Messenger to have a positive experience,” said Skype. “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.”

Skype has also started testing video messaging on its iOS, Android and Mac applications in the UK, US and a few other countries. Interestingly, it has not been rolled out to the Windows version of the client, despite Microsoft owning Skype.

Skype has had video calling for some time: the new feature allows for asynchronous video chat with messages of up to three minutes long. Users can apparently send 20 messages before having to pay for the premium service.

What do you know about Skype? Find out with our quiz!