Microsoft announces change to Outlook.com messaging history

Social integration is one of the most interesting features of Outlook.com, as it allows users to manage emails and, at the same time, chat with friends on Facebook, Google Talk and Skype. Microsoft started to integrate the latter service in late-April, with the roll-out continuing into the summer and, now, the company announces a new change as the process reaches its final stages.

Microsoft just revealed that, "as part of adding Skype to Outlook.com", users will no longer be able to access the social messaging history through the adjacent folder, as it will be removed "sometime this fall". The feature will still be available, but only through the Messaging panel.

While I do not rely on the Messaging history folder, I do have to point out that it provides a simpler and much easier method of following past social conversations compared to its panel counterpart.

Microsoft advises Outlook.com users to move the messaging history from the current folder into a new one, as to keep the existing conversions even after the upcoming change. Taking into account the fact that Microsoft provides no exact estimate as to when this will occur, it is best that you heed the advice as soon as possible.

The migration can be done by creating a new folder, selecting all existing social conversations from the current folder and moving them into the new one. Microsoft provides no exact explanation as to why the company forces this change upon Outlook.com users nor why folks should manually backup their social conversations.