<p>Microsoft in November announced that it would shut down Windows Live Messenger "in the coming months," but now the company has confirmed an end-of-life date for the popular chat service.</p><p>Redmond this week began emailing its more than 100 million Messenger users, warning them that the 12 year-old service is officially going away on March 15, according to tech blog The Next Web. On that date, the company will retire Messenger apps for all regions worldwide, with the exception of mainland China.</p><p>Microsoft encouraged users to switch over to Skype, which the company acquired in the fall of 2011. The service offers video and voice calling, in addition to built-in instant messenging. Redmond recently released a new version of Skype for Mac and Windows, which allows users to sign in using a Microsoft account. By doing so, users can automatically transport all Messenger contacts directly to Skype.</p><p>"Update to Skype and sign in using a Microsoft Account (same as your Messenger ID) and all your Messenger contacts will be at your fingertips," Microsoft said in its message to users. "You'll be able to instant message and video chat with them just like before, and also discover new ways of staying in touch with Skype on your mobile and tablet [device]."</p><p><a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2414076,00.asp">Keep reading...</a></p><p>Read also:</p><p><a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/microsoft-to-shut-down-windows-live-messenger-service-on-march-15/314780-11.html">Microsoft to shut down Windows Live Messenger service on March 15</a> (IBNLive)</p><p><a href="http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/01/09/windows_live_messenger_skype/">Don&#039;t shoot the Windows Live Messenger, cry IM users</a> (Register)</p><p><a href="http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/windows-live-messenger-gets-death-date-march-15-1123934">Windows Live Messenger gets death date: March 15</a> (TechRadar UK)</p><p>Explore: <a href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dt6TTieA4FNKQRMXTBKnHhJJYhK7M&ned=us">70 additional articles.</a></p>