And now that smartphones are slowly
becoming the dominant communication device in the mobile phone market, a new
technology has begun to emerge – instant messaging. IM allows users to not only
send text messages and multimedia content over the air but sends them in an
almost instantaneous rate.
One of the best smartphone brands that utilize
the instant messaging technology is RIM or Research in Motion. RIM’s line of
Blackberry smartphones is known for its award winning IM client – the
Blackberry Messenger or BBM. In fact, BBM is becoming so popular that even
cellular service providers are offering BBM-specific plans and promos.
However, BBM is a proprietary app and
service, and as such, it is limited only to Blackberry phone users. But the
thing is, Blackberries only have a small share of the entire smartphone market.
So majority of smartphone users are left in the cold. Or are they?
Here’s a list of some of the best
multiplatform IM clients the app universe has to offer to fill in that BBM
envy.
PC Immigrants
Smartphones were basically lifted from
personal computers. And they were not really the first home of instant
messaging and IM clients. There was a time that instant messaging and IM
clients can only be found on personal computers. So it isn’t surprising that
these IM pioneers created lighter versions for mobile devices.
Yahoo!
Messenger (YM). Yahoo! messenger is probably one of
the most well-known IM clients in history. A lot of users have enjoyed the
simple and easy to use user interface of YM, and Yahoo! was very keen in
bringing these features to mobile phones.
 |
| Compatible with: Android, iOS, Blackberry and Feature phones |
This very recognizable UI has allowed an
easy transition from desktop to mobile phone. Plus, existing YM contacts are
easily synced with your phone and will allow sending instant messages not only
to phones from different platforms but also to PC users.
Windows
Live Messenger. Windows Live Messenger is the
Microsoft counterpart of YM. And just like YM, this app is most useful to those
with Windows Live IDs.
 |
| Compatible with: Android, iOS and Windows Phone |
And just like Yahoo! Messenger, WLM offers
a nice transition from PC to mobile as well as easy syncing of contacts.
Skype. Skype is not as popular as the two IM clients mentioned above but
offers relatively the same if not more features to users. Again it allows for
easy syncing of contacts, as well sending instant messages across various
platforms.
 |
| Compatible with: Android, iOS, Blackberry, Symbian and Windows Phone |
As an added feature, skype also allow users
with mobile phones equipped with front-facing cameras to make video calls, a
function that is not usually available to Yahoo! Messenger or Windows Live
messenger.
All-in-ones. There are also IM clients that cater to multiple accounts. Examples
of which are Trillian, MeeBo and Ebuddy messengers. The PC and mobile version
aggregates existing accounts from Yahoo!, Windows Live, Skype and even
Facebook.
 |
| Compatible with: Android, iOS and Blackberry (except ebuddy) |
These apps work best for people with
multiple IM accounts who want to have everything in one place. The popularity
of these apps has only enjoyed moderate success to the lack of promotion given
to these applications. But nevertheless, they offer the same functionality as
the popular ones.
Built to be Mobile
There are also apps that have been built to
be solely used in mobile devices. These apps offer the same functionality as
their PC counterparts but are more focused on mobile experience. Unlike the
ones mentioned above, these apps don’t need to take into consideration past UI
consumer preferences and thereby maximizing a phone’s and a platform’s
capabilities.
Viber. Viber is one of the most popular choices for a lot of smartphone
users. It’s very similar to Skype in the sense that if also offer free voice
calls using an internet connection. And lastly it also makes use of your
existing contacts list to check which of your contacts already have viber.
 |
| Compatible with: Android, iOS, Blackberry and Windows Phone |
WhatsApp. Next to Viber, WhatsApp is the next most popular application for
instant messaging. It’s fully compatible with major mobile operating systems
such as iOS, android, blackberry and even Symbian which makes it very flexible
and offers a wider range in terms of reach in contacts.
 |
| Compatible with: Android, iOS, Blackberry and Symbian |
The only catch is that it’s not offered for
free in all mobile devices.
Live
Profile. Live profile is also a good choice for a
mobile IM client. Its features include Address book friend scan and invite,
photo and video sharing, emoticon support, Push notifications and unique PINs.
 |
| Compatible with: Android, iOS and Blackberry |
Kik
Messenger. Kik messenger can also be a nice option for
most users. Its features include group chatting and sending out multimedia
content to one or more users.
 |
| Compatible with: Android, iOS, Blackberry, Symbian and Windows Phone |
Chaton. Chaton is an IM client designed by Samsung electronics and is
probably the youngest app in our selection. Furthermore, it’s one of the most
diverse. It’s compatible not only to smartphones but also Samsung feature
phones.
 |
| Compatible with: Android, iOS, Blackberry, Bada and Feature phones |
Main Features include group chat,
multimedia transmission, Buddy interaction which shows a list of buddies you
interact most with, Buddies Say which is kind of the same as leaving a comment
on your friend’s Facebook profile page, Trunk which is a multimedia sharing box
and customization in terms of animation messages.
HeyWire. Heywire is another great choice for your IM needs. It not only sends
instant messages, but it can also send real SMS to users from more than 45
countries.
 |
| Compatible with: Android, iOS and Windows Phones |
You can also use SmartSMS which is a
feature that allows the app to automatically send responses to your contacts.
This feature is especially useful when you’re driving or you’re on a plane.
Heywire also has Facebook and Twitter integration. Lastly, it can make use of
GPS to help you find your friends anywhere in the world (HeyLo).
There are numerous alternative IM clients
out there. At best, the selection of apps mentioned in this post is the most
popular and most trusted. Some of them maybe at par if not better than BBM, so
if you really want to have BBM functionality on your device, then I’m sure one
or more of these IM clients would definitely fill your needs.
