Windows Live Messenger retiring update to Skype, bit confused

Lady_K

I've had an email from [EMAIL="servicenotification@email.microsoft.com"]servicenotification@email.microsoft.com[/EMAIL] saying I have to download skype now as they are retiring windows live messenger but I'm a bit confused.

I only use windows live messenger and access my hotmail through that. I don't use facebook or twitter and don't have a skype account, I never wanted one.

I'm a bit worried as hotmail is my only email and I don't understand how the skype thing will work, will it be similar to the live messenger and will I be able to access my hotmail through it and get alerts to email the same?

Also if I can access my hotmail via skype will it be as safe as the live messenger? does microsoft own skype?

What happens if I don't download the skype thing?

debitcardmayhem

It is not about hotmail/live mail. If you have an account with hotmail/live/outlook.com they send you the same email(I got one too), assuming that you are stupid enough to use messenger(MSN) too. Ignore

Lady_K

It is the windows live messenger, I use it because its fairly simple and I get email alerts, I don't need anything else, others might but its always been enough for me.

The email said this

[FONT=Segoe UI, Arial, Helvetica]Hello, [/FONT]

[FONT=Segoe UI, Arial, Helvetica] 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.[/FONT]

[FONT=Segoe UI, Arial, Helvetica]Update Now[/FONT]

lollipopsarah

Hi Lady_K I get an advert thing every time I log into msn and just ignore it as i'm an old fogey and don't want to get even more confused.
sad.xx

debitcardmayhem

Where do you get your alerts ? on your phone or on your PC? I must admit I use thunderbird as my pc email client and it alerts me to new mails , as does my phone if I am connected to wifi , and the same for the iPad

Lady_K

Hi lollipopsarah thats just like me I'm fogey enough not to even use a mobile phone let alone skype. I'm just worried about losing my hotmail account.

I guess eventually we will get forced to change it when it fully retires as it wont be there but does anyone know if its just a messenger for skype or does it hold hotmail accounts too and alerts for emails?

I just get email alerts while using the laptop as the live messenger is on all the time.

Splott

lollipopsarah wrote: »

Hi Lady_K I get an advert thing every time I log into msn and just ignore it as i'm an old fogey and don't want to get even more confused.
sad.xx

Bad advice. Come March 25th, Microsoft are terminating the MSN Messenger service so you won't be able to use MSN/Live Messenger any more because the servers won't be there.

UsernameAlreadyExists

Windows live messenger is the "instant messaging" application that enables you to type in real time to your friends. You can also do audio and video calls over it.

Skype is pretty much exactly the same thing, only better, and has proper support for voice over IP (proper telephone calls) and conferencing etc.

Facebook chat has gone some way to killing off MSN (live messenger) as everyone is glued to that these days

Windows Live Messenger being retired won't affect your hotmail email accounts etc etc. as everyone else has said - ignore!

hemophobic

You will still be able to log in

https://www.hotmail.com

and check your emails.

Lady_K

hemophobic wrote: »

You will still be able to log in

www.hotmail.com

and check your emails.

Yes thats ok but I really hope that the new skype thing will also do the email alerts and give access to hotmail through it like the live messenger. If it doesnt it wont be any use to me and I don't want to have to keep logging into hotmail.co.uk all the time to check mails and I dont want to leave a hotmail page open in order to save logging on and off.

If anyone already has the skpe thing perhaps they could confirm how it works with hotmail?

railbuff

we already changed when we got word of live messenger being discontinued. you dont have to fully utilise Skype as basically MSN/Live messenger is becoming Skype Messenger.

install skype and chose to login with your microsoft login details and it will open up skpe messenger and import all your msn/live messenger contacts over.