Microsoft Acquires Skype
Microsoft-Skype Merger
Microsoft Acquires Skype- a glimpse of the Microsoft Twitter Feed
What does this mean to the average Skype user now? Well, nothing.. yet. But expect Microsoft to soon roll out a smart phone device with integrated Skype capabilities. Will this be a step towards free cell phone (or possibly free video phone) communication? Or will it be an end to Skype’s free services? Only time will tell. I would surely adopt an ad-based cell phone, video phone service in lieu of $120+ a month, two year cell phone contracts, wouldn’t you? Many people are already letting their cell phone contracts expire in lieu of mobile hotspot plans. What’s the difference? The average mobile hotspot plan is around $50 (limited data transfer of course). But a savvy user will use the hotspot in conjunction with their wi-fi enable smartphone (Droid for example) and use Skype VOIP, circumventing the need for an actual cell phone plan. Even though data is limited through these mobile hot spot plans, the sometimes less than 50% cost over an actual cell phone plan is attractive to some users. The hotspot can also be used for other wifi enabled devices such as laptops and tablets as well. A Tablet with a mobile hostpot and Skype basically becomes a pseudo-cell phone with a huge screen.
Tony Bates Weighs in on Microsoft’s Acquisition of Skype
I am delighted to announce the deal with Microsoft has formally closed, and Skype is now a division of Microsoft. This represents a huge leap forward in Skype’s mission to be the communications choice for a billion people every day.
Joining forces with Microsoft is the best way to accelerate this mission and capitalize on our position at the intersection of social, mobile and video communications. Simply put, we want to transform communications. We will do this by building the best products in the world that allow all of us to do things together whenever we’re apart and by creating teams who work faster and smarter across the globe building those world-class products.
Microsoft is committed to the ubiquity of the Skype experience – communication across every device and every platform will remain a primary focus. And we’ve only scratched the surface. We’re at the starting line of integrating world-class talent, innovative technologies and products. By bringing together the best of Microsoft and the best of Skype, we’ll deliver amazing new experiences for consumers and business around the world.