Microsoft to retire Windows Live Messenger

According to the Verge, the technology giant is working towards retiring the use of its instant messaging service in favour of online tool Skype.

The publication claimed several sources have revealed the process of switching up its communication techniques will roll out over the coming months.

It comes after Microsoft began moving people over to Skype in recent times, with around 80 per cent of all instant messages sent on Skype being handled by the Messenger programme.

The organisation is expected to announce the retirement of Windows Live Messenger as early as this week after Skype confirmed plans to link Microsoft accounts with log-in names for the online tool.

Individuals using Skype version 6.0 for Mac and Windows are now presented with the option of logging in using a Microsoft or Windows account.