Microsoft to ditch Windows Live Messenger for Skype

Microsoft has announced it will close down its Windows Live Messenger service in favour of Skype.

Originally called MSN Messenger, Microsoft has decided to lay Windows Live Messenger to rest after donkey's years, 13 to be exact. The Windows 8 maker is encouraging users to move over to Skype which Microsoft acquired last year. .

The Skype blog said: "We want to focus our efforts on making things simpler for our users while continuously improving the overall experience. We will retire Messenger in all countries worldwide in the first quarter of 2013."

The only exception to this is that Messenger will remain available to use in mainland China. Windows Live Messenger is used by over 330 million people but Skype has over 600 million users.

For those saddened or even annoyed by the news Microsoft said it's all about the people not the app itself. Users can sign into Skype with the same account details they use for Messenger.

"To help you learn how to get the most out of Skype, be on the lookout for some special offers later this year as you join your Messenger friends in the migration." added Microsoft.