Rumors started just a couple months ago that Facebook was in talks with Skype to make an acquisition. These rumors persisted until very recently when Facebook was swapped out and Microsoft was put into the situation. Today, the most recent rumor has been proven true. Microsoft has officially acquired popular VoIP service Skype for $8.5 billion. The deal was signed last night, though the price has been in place since April 18th.

Microsoft plans to use Skype technology mainly in Xbox (think Kinect) and Windows Phone, perhaps even as soon as Windows Phone 8?

Never fear, current Skype users. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer publicly stated that the current Skype client will continue to exist and that the company will continue to "invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms."