Skype replaces Xbox Live chat, tipped for "next gen Xbox Live"

[Yungstar 2006]

Having replaced MSN messenger with the recently acquired Skype service in 2011, Microsoft is now poised to do the same with Xbox Live chat, a CVG report indicates.

Someone close to the project is quoted as saying that Microsoft is "consolidating all their communications technology" around Skype, making it the firm's default communication service across PCs, tablets and consoles. "You might jump to the conclusion that we'll see asynchronous voice and video messages in next-gen Xbox Live," the insider added. Doesn't sound like much of a stretch, does it?

[StevenW]

Guess you'll be able to have people in your Xbox Live lobby who are on their PCs.

[Soldier 95B]

As long as chat works the way it is now or better, that is fine if they do this conversion. Xbox 360 already does video chat, voice chat and text chat with PC, so this sounds like an evolution.

[claud3]

no no no, i hate online and this i will avoid like a fat man in a cake shop

[AaronSOLDIER]

Skype replaced Go Messenger on PSP in 2008ish, I didn't use either lol

[Soldier 95B]

This has me wondering. If they discontinued Windows Live Messenger, doesn't that mean that the Windows Live Messenger that is built into the Xbox 360 Guide is also discontinued?

[claud3]

yes and that means, hopefully you details will be carried over to this Skype and you won't have to make a new tag or a new account

[keefy]

Guess you'll be able to have people in your Xbox Live lobby who are on their PCs.

Not only PC, Skype is multiplatform: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, android, TV, Vita.

Seems like sony is playing catchup with VOIP again. They better come up with something good for next gen.

[Soldier 95B]

I see Skype is on Windows Mobile and iPhone as well. Odd that Microsoft owns Skype, and supports competing platforms. I know it's beneficial in the long run, but still seems weird.

[keefy]

I see Skype is on Windows Mobile and iPhone as well. Odd that Microsoft owns Skype, and supports competing platforms. I know it's beneficial in the long run, but still seems weird.

MS office is also on Mac. More the merrier.

[Soldier 95B]

MS office is also on Mac. More the merrier.

Yup. But I understand the reasoning for that...they wanted compatibility with their cash cow Office for Windows.

But, MS just bought Skype...so who knows what they will do. Maybe they will terminate support for other products?

I agree though, the more the merrier. I support that entire idea. Imagine playing on Xbox Live and having a party chat with someone on PS Vita or PS4.

[Nitey]

They need support from all platforms, that's how Skype made it's name in the first place. There must be a shitload of revenue coming in from people buying skype credits and stuff

I talk to my girlfriend on skype all the time ^_^

[MATRIX 2]

I would prefer they just did XBL chat powered by skype, but in the end it really doesn't matter much.

[keefy]

Yup. But I understand the reasoning for that...they wanted compatibility with their cash cow Office for Windows.

But, MS just bought Skype...so who knows what they will do. Maybe they will terminate support for other products?

I agree though, the more the merrier. I support that entire idea. Imagine playing on Xbox Live and having a party chat with someone on PS Vita or PS4.

They make money from Skype, people have premium accounts and get charged money per minute to call land lines and stuff so I doubt any terminating will happen.

[Yungstar 2006]

[claud3]

i have seen the same already, i have been giving the option to update my Messenger to skype and it seems ASIAN is the only place using the old Messenger

[MonkeyClaw]

It would be great with both Sony and Microsoft went with Skype for chat, then you could talk to people not only across game but across systems! I am still waiting for the day that they somehow make it to where people with the same game on both systems can play online together! I think it would be fun to have Xbox vs PlayStation matches!