MS discontinuing MSN Messnger for Skype?!?

[Red Squirrel]

I just got an email saying that, is this true? Voice/video chat is not exactly a replacement for simple text chat especially when you don't have a fast connection. This is a retarded move.

Also what happens if I'm on Linux? I currently use Pidgen. If I'm forced to use skype then that wont work in Linux without probably jumping through some hoops such as using wine or a VM.

This is terrible. I have lot of friends on MSN so "Use [alternative]" is not an answer.

I can't be the only one affected by this, what's everyone's plan with this?

 

[Berryracer]

 

[Berryracer]

Skype is the best chatting program right now and noone cares about Linux

kthxbye

 

[benzylic]

Skype is available on linux I believe.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

Looks like it is true. I guess they want you to use the text chat part of skype. I hope they have a new version which incorporates stuff that is lost after MSN messenger is discontinued!!

 

[Red Squirrel]

Last week? I just got the email now.



The issue with skype is it probably wont work on Linux, and I don't have the bandwidth for video chat. Sometimes text chat is just so much easier especially with multiple people. Video chat may have a "coolness" factor to it, but it kinda gets old fast when it's all choppy and stuff because of saturated bandwidth. Not everyone has 10+ mbit up/down connections available in their area.

 

[imagoon]

Download Skype for Linux (http://beta.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-linux/) or install the Skype Pidgin plugin (http://eion.robbmob.com/)?

Also messenger XMPP doesn't stop functioning until at least 10/2013

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Fo...t/thread/10f68a05-48c6-4faf-8e98-5157b96e8f2b

 

[Red Squirrel]

Oh good to know people are already on that. Looks like I might be saved. And Skype has a text only mode as well?

 

[Ken g6]

If I'm forced to use skype then that wont work in Linux without probably jumping through some hoops such as using wine or a VM.

I use Skype in Linux. I mostly just use it for chat, so you don't need to use voice or video.

Actually, there was a version of Skype in my package manager (Linux Mint Debian Edition), but I downloaded and installed a much newer version.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I use Skype in Linux. I mostly just use it for chat, so you don't need to use voice or video.

Actually, there was a version of Skype in my package manager (Linux Mint Debian Edition), but I downloaded and installed a much newer version.

That's definitely good to know then. Being a MS product did not figure the protocol would be open enough that someone can make a Linux version. I'll have to check it out.

 

[IamDavid]

Skype chat is nice. VERY surprised MS would do this though. I read somewhere MS Messenger is the most widely used chat software in the world.

 

[Netopia]

If I recall correctly, Skype was first released on Lindows and was ported to Windows later.

 

[ImpulsE69]

There's always Lync.

 

[MotionMan]

I just received this e-mail today (5 minutes ago).

What if I already have a Skype account? Will they merge the accounts?

I do not use Skype or MS Messenger much, but I do want a functional app when I do try to use it.

MotionMan

 

[smakme7757]

I just received this e-mail today (5 minutes ago).

What if I already have a Skype account? Will they merge the accounts?

I do not use Skype or MS Messenger much, but I do want a functional app when I do try to use it.

MotionMan

Yea, they merge your accounts.