America Online has updated its ICQ instant messaging
service, which now boasts the ability for developers to create
plug-in applications to extend ICQ's functionality.
ICQ 4.0 features a development platform called Xtraz, which has
an open application programming interface (API) for the creation,
delivery and automatic update of plug-in applications developed in
HTML, DHTML (Dynamic HTML) and Macromedia Flash.
Xtraz include several games for both single and multiple users,
a greeting-card sender and a feature for uploading photos. Video
sessions, more games, maps and personal finance plug-ins are
expected later this year.
The Xtraz applications reside on ICQ servers, allowing AOL to
deliver and update them automatically without users having to do
any downloads. Initially, ICQ will work with partners to create
Xtraz plug-in applications, and later on it will let users develop
applications and submit them to ICQ, which can make them generally
available.
AOL expected the Xtraz platform to attract new users drawn by
the new functionality and to increase revenue.
ICQ has eight million active users every day on its network, and
it is strongest outside the US, Arad said, adding that 80% of ICQ
users are not English speakers. With ICQ 4.0, the idea is to
maintain the service's international strength and increase its
position in the US.
Since last year, users from ICQ and AOL's sister AIM instant
messaging service have been able to exchange messages, which gives
ICQ access to the AIM installed base.
ICQ ranks fourth in terms of use behind AOL's AIM, Microsoft's
MSN Messenger and Yahoo's Messenger.
Other enhancements in ICQ 4.0 include a revamped user interface,
called Super Message, which consolidates operations into a single
window, simplifying the user experience; a feature called Follow Me
that lets users forward their ICQ messages to a mobile phone; and
integration with the ICQ Universe social networking service
launched in March.
ICQ 4.0 is available for a free download at
http://www.icq.com in its
English-language version. Versions in German, Portuguese, Spanish
and traditional and simplified Chinese will follow soon.
Existing features carrying over into ICQ 4.0 include file
transfer capabilities and the ability to make internet-based phone
calls.
Juan Carlos Perez writes for IDG News
Service