- Microsoft shutters Windows Live Messenger, migration to Skype begins Microsoft, as many expected, will shutter WIndows Live Messenger in early 2013, instead beginning a process of migrating the "millions" of existing Messenger users to recently purchased communication service Skype.
- Facebook chooses Microsoft over Google to power new Timeline maps feature Facebook has chosen Microsoft's Bing Maps over Google Maps to power new mapping features on its visually improved Timeline profile page. The new Timeline profile places greater emphasis on location-aware postings, with Facebook once again partnering with Microsoft rather than Google - arguably a greater competitor.