Skype Acquires Mobile Group Messaging Service

"This acquisition is another step towards our vision to provide a global multi-modal and multi-platform communications experience," Skype said in a blog. "It complements our existing leadership in voice and video communications by providing best in class mobile text-based communications and innovative features around group messaging that enable users to connect, share locations and photos and make plans with their closest ties."

The news arrives months afterwards Microsoft Corp purchased Skype Global for $8.5 billion in cash from the investor group led by Silver Lake. Skype will become a new business division within Microsoft, and Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division, reporting directly to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

Phenomenal service in other words loved

"Skype is a phenomenal service in other words loved by millions of people around the world," said Ballmer in May. "At the same time we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, customers and colleagues anywhere in the world."

Microsoft said that Skype will support devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and "a wide array of Windows devices." In turn, Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities, and will as well continue to invest in and support Skype customers on non-Microsoft platforms.