The news comes a year-and-a-half after Microsoft purchased Skype for $8.5 billion.
The transition began a few weeks ago with the release of Skype 6.0 for Mac and Windows that lets people sign into the online communication service using Microsoft accounts. Now Messenger users just need to update to the latest version of Skype, sign in using a Microsoft account, and their Messenger contacts will be there.
“Our goal remains to deliver the best communications experience for everyone, everywhere. We want to focus our efforts on making things simpler for our users while continuously improving the overall experience,” Skype said.
It is expected that once Messenger users update to Skype, they can get these new features:
- Broader device support for all platforms, including iPad and Android tablets
- Instant messaging, video calling, and calling landlines and mobiles all in one place
- Sharing screens
- Video calling on mobile phones
- Video calling with Facebook friends
- Group video calling
Here is a quick look at what you, as a Messenger user, can do to talk to your Messenger contacts on Skype:
On the sign in screen, select the option to sign in with your Microsoft account. You will be asked if you are already using Skype or are a new user.
If you use Skype and Messenger already, you can merge your Skype and Messenger account into your Microsoft account.
When you complete the installation process you will be welcomed into Skype with your buddy list already synced into your Skype contact list.
And you can start instant messaging right away!
Skype was founded in 2003 and acquired by online auction giant eBay in September 2005. It was sold to an investment group led by Silver Lake in November 2009 in a deal that valued the company at $2.75 billion.