Microsoft buys Skype

Posted by Mode-Serpent on May 11, 2011 in Microsoft, NEWS | 0 comments

by Steve Watts

Microsoft has announced that it will acquire the voice-over-IP company Skype for “$8.5 billion cash.” The deal includes planned Skype support for a variety of Microsoft devices, including Kinect, and Windows Phones. Microsoft also says it will connect Skype users with established services like Outlook and Xbox Live.

The announcement also included word that Skype will still support non-Microsoft platforms. That means the iPhone, Mac OSX, and PlayStation Portable can still use Skype functionality and receive updates, despite belonging to Microsoft’s two biggest competitors in the consumer devices and OS markets.