Universal Instant Messaging Platform by VoiceOne

VoiceOne™ Communications presented a new universal instant messaging platform that integrates the instant messaging services of Google (Google Talk), Yahoo (Yahoo Messenger), MSN and AOL IM. By using this service provided on Click4Me.net and VoiceOne Labs the users can send messages between any of the four services. For instance, Google Talk users can send instant messages to MSN users, or AOL users, or Yahoo! IM users - using Click4Me.Net - without having to use separate Instant Messaging clients for each service.

VoiceOne has added this IM integrated functionality to its recently released beta version of Click4Me.Net, the world's first Web-click calling service that utilizes VoIP technology for free phone-to-phone calling, and now Instant Messaging across services. Click4Me.Net is available for testing on VoiceOne's Virtual Lab - an open forum for users to preview, test free of charge, and provide feedback on new IP communications services developed by VoiceOne.

To start using the Click4Me.Net service, just register for free. The members can then review, provide feedback on the service or discuss additional IP communications services with VoIP Inc.'s development team.

Features:

• SMS Text messaging to users,
• An online Inbox allowing people to leave messages for one another on the Click4Me.Net website,
• Email and SMS text notifications of missed calls or new messages,
• Instant Messaging across popular IM services.

VoiceOne will add more expanded and new features in the coming days and weeks.

New Generation of IM Worms

According to Kaspersky Labs, new generation of instant messaging worms is spreading across protocols and platforms. We have seen a lot of worms which were specific to a single instant messaging protocol, for example MSN or AOL. However, the next generation of worms poses a much greater threat because of their ability to use different IM protocols to spread. And more - they can attack both Microsoft Windows and Mac platforms.

Of course, if the instant messaging user is smart and careful enough, the computer will be safe. It's very important not to open any attachments or URLs sent by unknown persons. Even more - if you receive an attachment or URL by someone in your buddy list, always ask him what he's sending you. Maybe he doesn't even know that his computer is under the control of a worm.

Meanwhile, Postini announced that there is a 160% increase over June in instant messaging attacks against corporate networks. One of the detected IM threats is Prokeylogger, which logs every key you type on your keyboard and gets your passwords. Then it sends this information to their owners, which can get details about your e-mails, credit cards, other sensitive personal information.

Free calls in US and Canada

All US and Canadian-based Skype customers can now make free SkypeOut calls to traditional landline and mobile phones in the US and Canada. This offer is valid until the end of 2006 year.

While SkypeOut calls within the US and Canada will now be free, SkypeOut calls to and within all other countries will continue to incur charges. Those charges are unchanged by today’s announcement and remain among the lowest available to consumers.

Skype website

Download the latest Skype 2.0.0.105 (Windows)

IMVITE - Multi-Messenger

The IMVITE multi-messenger is a free application that puts you in control. Users can control who can see their online status and Imvite supports all major platforms: MSN, Yahoo, AOL, ICQ and more. Imvite supports news feeds, Google search and online shopping.

With IMVITE to IMVITE chat, messages are secured with 128 bit encryption, ensuring maximum privacy.

IMVITE features a spam free zone with Free worldwide PC-to-PC calls. With a speaker and a microphone, users can chat with friends and colleagues worldwide free of charge.

The most important features are:

• All-in-one Instant Messenger. Chat with all your contacts from YAHOO, MSN, AOL and ICQ. Chat with your friends on different networks all at once.
• Free Live Video & Audio Chat!
• Personalized RSS News, Encrypted Secure Chat, Share Files, and much more.
• Cash Rebates on all your purchases from over 1,000 stores at the IMVITE Shopping Mall.
• The free version includes all these features.

More details are available here.
To download it, you must register here (free).

Lycos Phone Beta - an amazing offer

Lycos Phone Beta offers the following great features:

- Free US phone number;
- 100 free minutes just to start and then earn free talk time through partner offers;
- Lycos Phone is not just a great phone. Upload your MP3 files and listen to music while you chat. Add a webcam for video calls. Watch movie trailers, music videos, and live TV from Bloomberg, NASA, and more...

Of course features like free pc-to-pc calls, free incoming calls, low rates are available. Also, sign up with your e-mail address and you'll receive free gold membership.

The main window shows rotating ads. However if you use some of the advertised products, you'll receive cash in your Lycos Phone account.

Screenshot of the main window

By signing up you receive $1 and a free US phone number as a gold member. I already received a number and tested it, so this is one of the great features of this service.

Official website

Download

Search for Web's Top Video Content

The Searchforvideo IM service now works not only in AOL IM but also in other major instant messengers - Yahoo IM and MSN. It's really easy to search for video without opening your web browser. Just write "search phrase" and the Searchforvideo buddy will show you a list with the best matches.

Also you can subscribe for alerts or look at the most watched videos by the other users of this service.

For AIM, you just need to add "searchforvideo" to your buddy list, for MSN add "searchforvideo@hotmail.com" to your contacts list and in Yahoo IM - add "searchformedia" to your friends list. That's all. Then just write to the bot - here is a list of the available commands:

• search keyword(s) - Example: search super bowl
• alert on - That way you'll subscribe to receive the Headline video alerts
• alert off - Turns it off
• spy watched - See the most recently watched video clips at searchforvideo
• spy searched - See the most recent searches at searchforvideo
• spy added - See the video clips most recently added to searchforvideo