Yahoo Messenger to shut down
After 20 years of connecting friends, family and random people from all over the world, the iconic Yahoo Messenger will bid farewell to its fans next month.
Initially launched as Yahoo Pager in 1998, it was a popular mode of communication among teenagers and young adults new to the world of instant messaging. On top of sending messages, users could send GIFs, upload photos, and even “buzz” friends to get their attention.
It launched a new version in 2015 with an updated look and new features like Unsend so users could “recall” messages already sent.
However, Yahoo Messenger couldn’t keep up with the influx of new messengers such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and Google Hangout.
Users have until July 17 to get their fix of Yahoo Messenger, as the service will no longer work after that.
Yahoo explains that while the company is constantly experimenting with new services and apps, it currently doesn’t have a replacement for Yahoo Messenger.
Nevertheless, Yahoo invites its users to try its invite-only group messaging app Yahoo Squirrel that is currently in beta. You can request an invite at squirrel.yahoo.com.
Yahoo says users have until November to download their chat history to their personal computers or devices.
Users have to visit its download request site and sign in. After selecting a verification method, users need to enter the Account Key sent to them. Then click download and wait for the file to be sent to your e-mail.
The website also states that the termination of Yahoo Messenger will not affect its other services like Yahoo Mail, Yahoo Fantasy and more.