Microsoft acquires Skype for $8.5 billion

Microsoft has recently revealed its plans to takeover the voice and video communications company Skype. The deal has been approved by both the companies and decided at a price of $ 8.5 billion, for allowing Microsoft to control Skype's future.

As per the Microsoft's statements, we can expect Skype to be available on Xbox Live (with Kinect support), moreover over the the company's Outlook email client and Windows Phone. Even if you are an Android, iPhone, or Mac user, you do not have to worry as Microsoft has assured that non-Microsoft platforms will still get Skype support. We can imagine something new from Microsoft very soon, after acquiring Skype.

Microsoft had earlier tied up with Nokia to manufacture smartphones including Windows Mobile OS and Nokia hardware. It had sparked lots of speculations about the future of Symbian. However, the whole new media attetion is to this new acquisition of Skype by Microsoft.

Now, this US based technology giant is giving a direct competition to companies like Apple and and others into this voice and video telephony field.

Apple devices include an excellent feature that is Facetime, which allow the users to make video calls. But after this acquisition, Microsoft can provide similar kind of service on the Windows powered gadgets, comprising Nokia smartphones, tablets and computers.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said, “Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world. Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world."

This big deal would make Microsoft capable to sell more online
advertising and provide business conferencing tools, along with better leverage for social media platforms like video, social outlets and mobile phones to help it in competing with Facebook, Google and Apple.