Microsoft is switching off its Windows Live Messenger service on 15 March.
On that date Messenger log-ins will no longer work and users must turn to Skype, said Microsoft in an email sent to all Messenger users.
The email also encouraged users to update to Skype and familiarise themselves with the service before the switch-off.
The service switch is a consequence of Microsoft's acquisition of Skype in October 2011 for $8.5bn (£5.3bn).
In November 2012, Microsoft announced that it was switching off Live Messenger in early 2013 but gave no firm date. At the same time, Microsoft made it possible for Messenger users to talk to and swap messages with contacts via Skype.
To help people migrate before 15 March, Microsoft has added an upgrade button to its desktop Messenger that when clicked uninstalls Messenger and puts Skype in its place.
Until the switch-off date Messenger would work as it always did, said Microsoft.
The Windows Live Messenger instant messaging program was known as MSN Messenger when it first launched in 1999. The service is believed to be used by about 300 million people every month.
China is the only nation in which Messenger will keep operating, because it is run under licence there.
The main reasons for shutting down messenger are: getting more people to use Skype & starting "fresh" with messaging + voip, because messenger has a "bad/negative" ring to it these last years (linked with perverts & malicious software being spread around)
Strwarrior wrote:Actually i use facebook to chat and bbm, but some of my friends dont use any of these so i have to use msn, its not that bad but skype is..
I really don't like facebook for instant messaging. It's not comfortable imo.
Strwarrior wrote:Actually i use facebook to chat and bbm, but some of my friends dont use any of these so i have to use msn, its not that bad but skype is..
I really don't like facebook for instant messaging. It's not comfortable imo.
My question to you is...what all do you need in instant messaging? I would think the ability to send/receive messages is all anyone needs. Personally, I don't need the flashy screen name or anything like that, just the ability to type a message, press enter to send it, and receive messages. Facebook messaging does that.
I just like a separate convo window, enough emoticons (I don't use any custom ones), the ability to share pics instantly, group chats and long term groups. I am just used to WLM having used it for a long time and it really does the job well. I have rarely had any problems.
Strwarrior wrote:Actually i use facebook to chat and bbm, but some of my friends dont use any of these so i have to use msn, its not that bad but skype is..
I really don't like facebook for instant messaging. It's not comfortable imo.
My question to you is...what all do you need in instant messaging? I would think the ability to send/receive messages is all anyone needs. Personally, I don't need the flashy screen name or anything like that, just the ability to type a message, press enter to send it, and receive messages. Facebook messaging does that.
When you copy a picture to WLM, it expands the window and both users can see the picture. It works also with youtube links. File sharing is also very quick and easy. This makes it ideal for certain people..
WLM user base is larger than skypes (or was not long ago). Changing sucks, big time. Not to mention skype has a giant ugly interface compared to WLM which is very small and tidy. The ads are MUCH less intrusive as well.
All in all I'm mad about having to change, the picture sending loss is reason enough.
Not to mention skype has a giant ugly interface compared to WLM which is very small and tidy. The ads are MUCH less intrusive as well.
2 words. Compact view. And how are MSN's ads less intrusive?? they keep popping out w/e you hover your mouse over them and flash nonstop. flash just has like 1 add and it's non-flashy and always in the same colour... and it goes with Skype's theme...
Day[9] wrote:"Tea is a lot like gold expansions - it helps you kill people." - Day[9] Daily 337 -
Skype is the way to go, it is the best VOiP on the web, and well who cares if the IM sucks, skype is the best, I switched from WLM 2 years ago, and I never went back.
Not to mention skype has a giant ugly interface compared to WLM which is very small and tidy. The ads are MUCH less intrusive as well.
2 words. Compact view. And how are MSN's ads less intrusive?? they keep popping out w/e you hover your mouse over them and flash nonstop. flash just has like 1 add and it's non-flashy and always in the same colour... and it goes with Skype's theme...
I can't replicate the incredibly intrusive ads on skype at the moment. If I can I'll post it. I don't have "popping out" ads on WLM, not sure what you mean really. It's almost ad free, you click the small x in the top corner of the ad in any WLM window to get rid of said ad except for the contact view window.
Spoiler!
aaaa.png (105.9 KiB) Viewed 1881 times
WLM is much, much more clean. Image sharing compatible too!
Strwarrior wrote:Actually i use facebook to chat and bbm, but some of my friends dont use any of these so i have to use msn, its not that bad but skype is..
I really don't like facebook for instant messaging. It's not comfortable imo.
I use it for mobile, you can share pics etc, it has everything you need >,< .
Strwarrior wrote:Actually i use facebook to chat and bbm, but some of my friends dont use any of these so i have to use msn, its not that bad but skype is..
I really don't like facebook for instant messaging. It's not comfortable imo.
I use it for mobile, you can share pics etc, it has everything you need >,< .
Crumpets for Pres
