Not all instant messaging programs for the BlackBerry receive a thumbs up. Some are downright awful in usability. Meet WebMessenger and some key features.
James Allen Johnson pronounced WebMessenger as one of the top five BlackBerry Instant Messaging Apps. WebMessenger is a functional instant messenger chat client that takes no time to figure out. Unlike other top apps, WebMessenger doesn't cost anything.
I tried one other IM application before finding WebMessenger. It was so bad that I couldn't find it online. The instant messaging application made it cumbersome to switch between chats and move around within the application. Then I came across WebMessenger and it was a breeze to use after the awful experience with the previous app.
All-in-One Chat Client
WebMessenger works with most major instant messenger (IM) networks including:
- Yahoo!
- AIM / AOL instant messenger
- Google
- MSN/Windows Live
- ICQ
- Jabber
Although it currently doesn't include Facebook, MySpace and Twitter (in beta) like IM+ (price tag of $39.95!), it has the advantage of being free.
Download and Setup
You can go to www.webmessenger.com in your BlackBerry's browser to download it. Or you can search for "webmessenger" in BlackBerry App World, if it's on your BlackBerry. If not, open the BlackBerry's browser and open Google search to search for "BlackBerry App World." Download the app and it'll guide you the rest of the way.
Have your IDs and passwords handy when you're ready to set up your various IM accounts through WebMessenger's account set up wizard under options. When you start the wizard, you'll select the IM networks you want to use in WebMessenger and it'll serve up the sign in page for each. The wizard contains simple, guided steps that it shouldn't take more than 10 minutes to have your first IM conversation (well, if your friends are online and available).
Using WebMessenger
Its options allow you to control notifications, display options (look and feel such as color and whether to show the timestamp) and custom status messages. You can set up custom notification rules.
If someone sends you an IM when you're talking with someone else, a partial message appears at the bottom. You can flip between conversations by using the scroll ball to select the chat at the bottom of the screen or press the BlackBerry button to select "Active Conversations," which opens a window with a list of current conversations. The ability to switch chats could stand some improvement although you can access the chat list with one button.
Beware that WebMessenger offers enterprise solutions and those aren't the same as this one. WebMessenger is a good all-around IM application that will satisfy most people's needs without the clunkiness found in other applications.
WebMessenger Screen Shots
