Latest IM Versions
February 22, 2009 by Jeff Hester
Filed under Instant Messaging
This is a list of the latest instant messaging, voice over IP (VoIP) and chat programs, with links to the official sites where you can download them. Unless noted otherwise, all of these programs are free.
We make every effort to keep this listing up-to-date, but before you complain that your favorite IM program isn’t listed, let me remind you of two things. First, this is not an exhaustive list of every IM program under the sun — just the ones that are most significant. And secondly, if you would like to see something added, or have an update to report, please, leave a comment. – The BigBlue Crew
The Main Players
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AIM/AOL Messenger Overview | AIM Forum |
6.9.13.4 | 28 Apr 2009 |
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Digsby Overview | Digsby Forum |
Build 62 | 14 Aug 2009 |
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Google Talk Overview | Google Talk Forum |
1.0.0.104 | 1 Jan 2007 |
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ICQ Overview | ICQ Forum |
6.5.1042 | 04 Mar 2009 |
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Skype Overview | Skype Forum |
4.0.0.226 | 22 Apr 2009 |
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Trillian Overview | Trillian Forum |
4.0 Build 104 | 21 Apr 2009 |
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Windows Live Messenger Overview | Windows Live Messenger Forum |
2009 Build 14.0.8064.206 | 14 Feb 2009 |
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Yahoo! Messenger Overview | Yahoo! Messenger Forum |
9.0.0.2152 | 24 Mar 2009 |
The Contenders
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Adium – Mac | 1.3.4b1 | 24 Apr 2009 |
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Miranda – PC | 0.7.19 (beta) | 18 Apr 2009 |
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QQ 2009 – PC | 1.23.375.0 | |
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Instan-T - PC Overview |
5.0 | 17 Dec 2008 |
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iChat – Mac | 4.0.0.206 | 29 Jan 2009 |
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PaltalkScene – PC | 9.6 | 28 Jan 2009 |
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Gizmo5 – PC, Mac, Linux, Nokia Tablet | 4.0.5.389 | 07 Mar 2009 |
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Pidgin – PC, Linux Overview | Pidgin Forum |
2.5.5 | 03 Mar 2009 |
The Mobile Crowd
Mobile messaging lets you IM from anywhere. These programs usually have limited features compared to their desktop siblings. Not all programs support all mobile operating systems.
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AIM iPhone, Windows Mobile, G1, Symbian |
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BeeJive IM iPhone |
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IM+ iPhone |
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Fring iPhone |
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Truphone iPhone |
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QQ iPhone |
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Nimbuzz iPhone |
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Palringo iPhone |
A great resource for the latest versions of software in all categories is FileHippo.com. And if you need to find an older version of one of these programs, check out OldVersion.com
To learn which IM lets you communicate with each IM network, check out our IM operability matrix.
This list is still being developed. Your comments and feedback are welcome!
Updated August 18, 2009.
Related posts:
- AOL Instant Messenger
- Windows Live Messenger (WLM)
- Yahoo! Mobile Now Available
- Yahoo! Messenger Now on iPhone
- Instant Messaging
KM guru, social media expert, mountain biker, backpacker, father, grandfather, author, speaker, dog walker, web developer and founder of BigBlueBall.com, living happily by the beach in San Clemente, California.
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