Skype replaces Microsoft Messenger for online calls

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Microsoft on Tuesday announced that recently-acquired Skype will replace its Messenger online chat service.

"Skype and Messenger are coming together," Skype said in a post at its website. "By updating to Skype, Messenger users can instant message and video call their Messenger friends." The transition began a few weeks ago with the release of Skype 6.0 software that lets people sign into the online communication service using Microsoft accounts.

"We want to focus our efforts on making things simpler for our users while continuously improving the overall experience," Skype said.

Messenger will "retire" in every country but China in the first quarter of next year.