It turns out recent reports of Messenger soon becoming history are true as Microsoft confirmed them and the timeframe as well.

It’s worth noting that Messenger will continue to be available in mainland China. However, the rest of the world will see it retired starting in Q3 2013.

Apparently, some 100 million Messenger accounts will be migrated to Skype. It is said that most of messaging tasks are already on Messenger backend and Microsoft will take necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition.

While most could see it coming, it definitely will be a bit strange without Messenger. Well, having used it since day one, it also makes me feel old, but that’s a whole another story. [You are old and you should feel old. Ed]

More here.