Microsoft accquires Skype for $8.5 billion

Microsoft has just announced that they’ve purchased the most popular Voice-over-Internet company on the planed for $8.5 billion. While this move might have struck a wrong note with loyal fans of the service, 360 owners will find much to rejoice.

“Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “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.”

“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 intends to support and further invest in Skype, which will now fall in under a new division at the company, known  as the Microsoft Skype Division, on “non-Microsoft platforms”. Guess that answers the question of whether or not the service would go chargeable or not.