IMO.im Connects Facebook Friends Via Instant Messaging
February 27, 2008 |
IMO.im , which happens to be founded and advised by several ex-Googlers, is a web based instant messaging that allows users to instant message other friends on AIM, MSN Messenger, Google Talk, and Yahoo Messenger. Users who happen to be registered with more than one of these free IM services have the innovative ability to link these accounts through IMO.im, so that logging into this service then logs them into all of their clients simultaneously.
Even better than the single login feature, IMO's group chat features allow single chat groups to contain member from any of the supported clients. In other words, an IMO user can conversate in a single group chatroom through their AIM profile while their other friends involved use Yahoo or MSN messenger identities, all without the friends even having to be registered for IMO. Inviting a non-IMO friend into a group chat sends a link that directs them to an IMO page allowing inclusion within the group chat. Through this page, of course, will be the ability to register for IMO. This feature then becomes even more useful when combined with the features of the newly available IMO.im Facebook application.
Through Facebook, all of the service's features are available, allowing users to instant message and video chat with friends on Facebook, no matter which client they use. Multiple IM accounts can also be linked through the social network, allowing your Facebook profile to act as a sort of central hub with instant access to any friend from any client buddy list.
IMO.im is still in the alpha stage of development, so expect more features to be added on as the service matures. Possible future features of IMO include the added ability to access Skype, as well as IMO clients for cell phones and smartphones to expand it into the rapidly growing mobile market.
Another instant messaging solution for Facebook users is the Friendvox application launched late last year.
