Microsoft extends the Messenger to Skype transition start date to Apr 8th

Earlier Microsoft had set the existing Messenger service retirement date as 15th March 2013. Now the Messenger Team has again sent mails to its users about upgrading its customers from Messenger to Skype. And now the date has been stated as April 8th 2013

So starting April 8th, upgrading customers from Messenger to Skype begins. This extension from March 15th to April 8th , 2013 is done to provide more time for customers to make transition.

Here’s what the Messenger and Skype Teams mail said -

Hello,
Starting April 8th, we will begin upgrading customers from Messenger to Skype. The process will take a few weeks to complete. April 8th is the first day you may be required to upgrade. This is a bit later than the March 15th date we previously mentioned to some of you as we wanted to give you more time to make the transition.
To keep chatting with your Messenger contacts, simply upgrade to the latest version of Skype using the instructions below and sign in using a Microsoft account (this is the same ID you use to sign into Messenger). Once signed in, your contacts will already be there. You'll be able to instant message and make video calls with them just like before, and start discovering new ways of staying in touch, including Skype on your mobile or tablet.
Upgrade now

Yours sincerely,

The Messenger and Skype Teams

Skype now offers Group Video Calls

Microsoft Skype now offers Group Video calls *. This is what’s there in this new upgrade I just did.

Now you can make video calls to 3 or more people all connected at the same time. Everyone on the call will be able to see and hear each other.

Group video calls will be perfect for family catch ups and business video conferencing.

 

 

Just a point to note-  that even after Microsoft’s Skype acquisition, the upgrade still provided the Free Google Chrome offer . I just said ‘No Thank You’ and proceeded.

 

Similarly the Google pack also still includes Skype -

Let us see how long both Microsoft and Google promote each other’s product.  

Get the Skype from here

* Edit (14/05/11) – As @paulbeattie points out that this feature was offered since sometime now. May be it was there for paid subscribers only. Now with this upgrade , Skype may be offering it to everybody to try, then if one likes and wants to keep continuing Group Video calls , one has to subscribe to the service. More clarity is need from Skype regarding this.