Microsoft today announced that it plans to combine its Windows Live Messenger IM product with Skype moving forward. Windows Live Messenger, which is Microsoft’s long-standing isntant messaging platform, will be retired during the first quarter of 2013.
Skype will become its favored messaging service across platforms and devices. Skype runs on Windows and Mac desktops, Windows, Android, and iOS tablets, as well as Windows, Android, and iOS smartphones.
The new Skype/messenger product will offer screen sharing, mobile video calling, group calling, and video calling with Facebook friends. Skype and Windows Live Messenger users can merge their services beginning today.
