Microsoft to kill the Messenger on March 15

Beware the Ides of March if you are a user of Microsoft's Windows Messenger Live.

Microsoft announced last November it would soon retire its instant messaging client in favor Skype, which Microsoft acquired in October 2011. But today it began informing Messenger users that the service would go dark for the majority of users on March 15.

Hello,
On 15th March 2013 we are retiring the existing Messenger service globally (except for mainland China where Messenger will continue to be available) and bringing the great features of Messenger and Skype together. Update to Skype and sign in using a Microsoft Account (same as your Messenger ID) and all your Messenger contacts will be at your fingertips. You'll be able to instant message and video chat with them just like before, and also discover new ways of staying in touch with Skype on your mobile and tablet.
Yours sincerely,
The Messenger Team

Read more at source:
Microsoft to kill the Messenger on March 15 | Microsoft - CNET News

 

[Hydrology]

I didnt realize that MS had purchased Skype. Its funny that I noticed that about a year ago I started getting more and more scam calls on Skype. That almost corresponds with MS's purchase.

 

[Der Snoober]

I didnt realize that MS had purchased Skype. Its funny that I noticed that about a year ago I started getting more and more scam calls on Skype. That almost corresponds with MS's purchase.

I think you make a conclusion there that is based on nothing. Perhaps, I say perhaps, the criminals are changing to the Skype platform due to the fact that Microsoft bought it, so it must be popular. But to say you get scam calls because Microsoft bought Skype is bull**** in my honest opinion.

Besides... there is an option in Skype, when activated, it will prevent you being contacted by strangers. So I recommend you to activate this option

 

[GhostDog]

I just managed to migrate from Windows Live Messenger to Skype, lost all my contacts. Don't think I'll ever get them back. Best jump into bed with Skype and then fall out of bed with Windows Live.

 

[Wael90]

Messenger, MSN, Windows Live Messenger.. Whatever the name, it will remain a big part of my memories which I will treasure forever. Thinking about it, we're the last generations that will remember MSN and speak of it in the future. We are its legacy! Be proud people, this day would come and better retire strong with all the glory than die slowly.

I had switched to Skype for a good amount of time before it got merged with MSN. I couldn't be happier about this, Skype has resurrected MSN for me. Don't be afraid of the change, it's beautiful.

 

[Lazure]

I use Skype mostly, but sometimes WLM is good for the photo sharing feature. This feature is still absent from Skype, and even programs like Trillian bork out if your photo is over 4MB or so. I hope they add photo share to Skype to compensate for its loss when WLM goes kaput. Much more convenient to paste from clipboard/drag&drop a pic into an active conversation and show a pic right away than trying to upload to some image sharing site and getting a link and then pasting the link and then having them click on it.

 

[KentC]

Try to use Remote Assistance options in Windows XP, it's nothing compared to the ease of Windows 7 for Windows 8. The option to use Windows Messenger loads to a default link that is not supported anymore. You can only use 2 options now, email the invitation or save an invite file to upload via cloud or send email.

I think Microsoft has already done this on the "Help and Support" side of things, you can even install "Windows Essentials". It doesn't register EITHER in "Remote Assistance"!

The install is just outdated. Skype is a much better service and choice. I can honestly say this service needs to be depreciated.

Pidgin IM for Security, with the Skype Add-On which is amazing anyways...for ease!

Let the future reign free!!!!

 

[markshim]

How are we suppose to see when we get hotmail email as they arrive because the current windows live mail that's on offer is useless. I like having messenger because it lets you know as soon as a email arrives and you can also see how many new email you have to look at.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

How are we suppose to see when we get hotmail email as they arrive because the current windows live mail that's on offer is useless. I like having messenger because it lets you know as soon as a email arrives and you can also see how many new email you have to look at.

Welcome to EightForums, markshim. It's good to have you aboard.

Are you referring to the Windows Mail app included with 8? If so, it notifies whenever new mail arrives, even if one is on the desktop.

 

[sirsteve1968]

Does anyone user IM+ and do you recommend that or just use the Skype we're all talking about here?

 

[TerryE]

Steve,

I assume you mean Messenger Plus, an add-on for WLM? I used it for a long time and I liked some of the features it added. I no longer use Messenger and I ditched Skype in a hurry because it didn't do much for me. I don't use IMs that often anyway so I am just as happy without an IM program for now.

One of the main reasons I dislike Skype is the lack of a tie-in to my Hotmail. One click and I was into my e-mail. Now I'm relegated to using the web interface, the Outlook add-on for Hotmail (which doesn't update the server), or the not-so-wonderful Win8 Mail app.

 

[sirsteve1968]

Thanks Terry! I was referring to the IM+ you can get from the Windows store. I was thinking of downloading that, but don't know if I want to "muck" up the waters. The bulk of people I IM are on FB and don't need to get more bogged down w/other IMs...I was just wondering about that program from the store.

 

[TerryE]

Oh, OK, Steve. I haven't seen that one unless it's the one that shows up "out of the box" in Windows 8.

I don't use IM a lot (except Office Communicator at work, and that's very useful). I really don't miss Messenger except that it was a handy link to my e-mail (one-click access) and a handy way to see how many e-mail messages I had not yet read.

 

[mick823]

Pidgin or Trillian are both good alternatives to Messenger. Both are multi-protocol with plugins for Skype, Twitter LinkedIn, etc. I have been using Trillian for years so I can have one IM program and communicate easily with anybody's IM regardless of protocol.