Although I grew up with AOL Instant Messenger, I’m not much for using IM these days. However, I can still recognize the value of being able to communicate even where you can’t install the chat client you need. From a public library computer or a relative’s computer, being able to chat could be a lifesaver but being able to install the software needed might be a no-go. Sites like Meebo have been around for a while, allowing you to connect to some of the most popular networks like AIM, Yahoo!, Facebook, ICQ, and others, but another site worth knowing is imo.im.
The site allows you to connect to the same networks as Meebo plus some additional ones like Skype, Steam, and more.
In addition to using the website, imo also has apps available for iPhone, iPad, Android, BlackBerry, and Nokia that allows you to chat across the multipe chat protocols offered from your mobile device. Only one chat app needed means it takes up less space and there are fewer things running in the background when you stay logged in.
Imo also has their own voice and video chat system called imo now that doesn’t require registration. You just start the chat and send the link to your buddies and it’s all done in the browser with Adobe Flash.
Whether you chat all the time or just might need it every once in a while, imo is one site worth knowing.