UPDATE: The pair have announced that “Skype will support Microsoft devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities. Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.” Sounds win-win – let’s see you execute it, Ballmer.
And the rumours were true: Microsoft has bought internet calling service Skype for a cool $8.5bn (£5.1m), the largest acquisition the software giant has ever made. #skype is trending on Twitter right now, and the company is getting a lot of flak from industry observers and users, but we’re staying positive: it’s not like Skype works flawlessly as it is, and we welcome the possibility of Skype integration into Windows Phone handsets.
A press conference is schedule for 4pm UK time with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer expected to make a statement – rest assured we’ll be tuning in to scope out the details.
