Microsoft to drop Messenger, switch to Skype

NEW YORK (AP) - Microsoft is dropping its instant-messaging programme and forcing most users to switch to Skype.

Maintaining Windows Live Messenger made less sense after Microsoft Corp. bought Skype for US$8.5 billion ($10.4 billion) last year. A new version of Skype released a few weeks ago allows users to sign in with a Microsoft account. By merging the two services, people would not have to maintain two separate contact lists.

Microsoft says much has changed in how people communicate. There's more use of text messaging and social networking.

Microsoft says that Messenger users who switch to Skype will get benefits such as the ability to call landline and mobile phones and better support on mobile devices.