With the increasing use of connected phones, especially with its higher resolution screens, instant messaging on mobile phones has increased in popularity. Mobile network providers has also opened up their networks to encourage people to use their cell phones to connect to the Internet. I compiled a list of available instant messaging software applications that you can install/use on your mobile phone so that you can communicate with your online buddies, friends and family. Some has even provided support for the popular social networks like Twitter and Facebook.
Fring
Fring is one of the best instant messaging software for mobile phones that you can use. You can use Fring for your Yahoo!, AIM, ICQ, MSN Messenger, Google Talk and even Skype accounts. You can even post to Twitter using Fring. The software also includes VoIP functionality that allows you to make Internet calls. You can also use it to send files to your buddies.
The software works on both mobile network and wifi connections. It is available as a free download for a wide range of mobile phones. It now also has a version for the popular iPhone.
Some screenshots of the Fring user interface:
Partial list of supported phone brands: Symbian 5th ed, Nokia, Samsung, HTC, HP, i-mate, O2, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Apple iPhone, Palm, Eten, Asus …
eBuddy
eBuddy web messenger is a web based chat client, which connects you to all the major Instant Messaging networks. With eBuddy you can chat everywhere without installing an application on your computer. We support MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, AIM, Google Talk, MySpace IM and ICQ simultaneously. It supports Android mobile phones.
Some screenshots of the eBuddy user interface:
Partial list of supported devices: iPhone, Symbian mobile phones, Windows Mobile 5.x/6.x pda/phones, Nintendo DS, PSP, Android mobile phones
Nimbuzz
Nimbuzz Mobile lets you call, chat, message for free. It combines all your buddies from Skype, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, AIM, Google Talk. Other features include one contact list, see who´s online and where, call/group-call, chat/chatrooms, offline messaging, send photos/music/video, voice messaging.
Some screenshots of the Nimbuzz user interface:
Partial list of supported phone brands: iPhone, Symbian mobile phones, Windows Mobile 5.x/6.x pda/phones, mobile Java (J2ME) enabled phones
Gizmo5
Gizmo 5 is another strong competitor to the top spot of being the best instant messaging software. The Gizmo 5 application not only offers VoIP calls but has instant messaging functions as well. You can use the instant messaging functions for the Yahoo, MSN and AIM networks. You can also use it for sending files.
Some screenshots of the Gizmo5 user interface:
Partial list of supported phone brands: Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Blackberry, Motorola, LG, O2, Pocket PC. Also availble for Linux, Windows and Mac computers plus the Nokia 770/800/810 tablet
Skype
Skype, popular for it’s free VoIP software for the PC, has recently entered the mobile space with it’s own mobile version of Skype. Skype mobile, now currently in beta, allows you to make voice calls and instant messaging using its own proprietary protocols.
Some screenshots of the Skype Mobile user interface:
Partial list of supported phone brands: Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Samsung, Windows Mobile. Also availble for Linux, Windows and Mac computers, the Nokia 800/810 tablet, 3 Skypephone, Wifi phones, Sony Playstation Portable (PSP).
Talkonaut
This product is from the GTalk2Voip and is probably the best and most feature-filled instant messaging software I’ve come across. Talkonaut provides instant messaging for Yahoo, MSN, AIM and ICQ networks. Also works directly with Google Talk and other Jabber-based protocol instant messaging networks. The mobile software also has functions for SIP/VoIP voice calls and SMS messaging. Connection can be made either using the mobile phone network or wifi.
Although it’s free for personal use, the maker of Talkonaut do offer branding services for it’s software and I won’t be surprise if this is actually the software that Gizmo5 uses because of the resemblance in the interface.
Some screenshots of the Talkonaut user interface:
Partial list of supported phone brands: Symbian mobile phones (both S40 and S60), Windows Mobile 5.x/6.x pda/phones, mobile Java (J2ME) enabled phones, also has small footprint J2ME version for phones with limitations on jar size
Mabber
Mabber is a Jabber-based instant messaging software that can also be used to chat with ICQ, MSN, AIM, Google Tlk, GMX messenger.
Some screenshots of the Mabber user interface:
Partial list of supported phone brands: mobile Java (J2ME) enabled phones
Jargong
Jargong allows you to chat with MSN, ICQ, Yahoo, Google Talk, AIM and Jabber online buddies. You can also use Jargong to view photos, search, read and add comments to photos, send photos using your flickr account. Use it to read subscribed RSS feeds in your Google Reader account. And if you have Twitter you can use it to view your twits.
Some screenshots of the Jargong user interface:
Partial list of supported phone brands: Nokia and Sony Ericsson mobile phones
Agile Mobile
Agile Mobile is one of the early providers of instant messaging on mobile phones I have tried. Agile Messenger can be used for chatting with MSN, AIM, Yahoo!, ICQ & GoogleTalk online buddies. You can also send photos, voice and video messages to people in your contact list using Agile Mobile’s Agile Messenger.
The Agile Messenger software is not free though, you’ll have to shell out US$ 44.95 for a one time permanent license fee.
Some screenshots of the Jargong user interface:
Partial list of supported phone brands: Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Pocket PC and Windows Mobile phones
Jimm
Jimm is a mobile Java software ICQ clone for mobile devices. It is a free software that can be downloaded from the Jimm web site. It directly connects to the ICQ network and there is no need for any registration. All you need is your working ICQ account.. You can use it via a GPRS or 3G connection. It supports file transfer and contact search. Available in several languages like English, German, Russian …
Some screenshots of the Jimm user interface:
Partial list of supported phone brands: Nokia, Blackberry, Alcatel, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Sagem, Siemens, NEC
