Microsoft removing Google and Facebook Chat from Outlook.com - suggests Skype

[Rus Anca]

Microsoft removing Google and Facebook Chat from Outlook.com - suggests Skype

Microsoft is instructing its users to switch to Skype; something I recommend as well. Why? It is available on all platforms, including Windows, OS X, iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Linux distributions. Microsoft's solution is the most open from a cross-platform perspective. In other words, Skype is not being used to lock you anywhere, as Google and Apple seem intent on.

If you aren't already a Skype user, Microsoft offers the below instructions.

1. Activate Skype for Outlook.com by clicking on the Messaging icon in your inbox header.
2. Click on the Skype icon to join or sign in. Link your Outlook.com email with a Skype ID if you already have one, or use your Outlook.com address to create a new one.
3. Navigate to the People page, and add existing contacts as Skype contacts, or add new contacts. You're ready to start chatting.
4. To make free Skype to Skype video and voice calls right from your inbox, simply download the plugin.

Most Outlook.com customers already prefer to use Skype when they are chatting and we see this as a great option for anyone impacted by Google’s decision to shut down Google Talk & associated APIs, or the recent deprecation of Facebook Chat for Outlook.com.
With Skype for Outlook.com, you can easily connect with your Skype friends right from your inbox, so you can go straight from email to chat, or a voice and video call.

Source:http://betanews.com/2015/02/24/micr...acebook-chat-from-outlook-com-suggests-skype/