[rocky2]

I was told yesterday by somebody who should know that there will be a new version of this software and hardware combination after 6 January permitting A/V conferencing with Windows boxes. It would be nice if Apple added SIP for audio conferencing with POTS too.

[Krypton]

It would be even cooler if they got iChat AV to work with the next AV release of AOL.

[Disgruntled Head of C-3PO]

Even better would be a MSN compatible iChat.

[biscool]

Even better would be a MSN compatible iChat.Even better would be a MSN compatible iChat.

Is MSN messager really that popular? No one I know uses it, everyone is using AIM or those with macs are using iChat...

[enk0d]

Well as forthe popularity of msn messenger it has grown somewhat but i think the raise in AIM users is mainly from the intergration with cellphones these days and also i guess people just like AIM more.

[Synotic]

Originally posted by biscool:
Is MSN messager really that popular? No one I know uses it, everyone is using AIM or those with macs are using iChat...

I think that MSN is the most popular in European countries.

[Link]

MSN is also the biggest piece of donkey **** in the universe. The PC version is bloated to the point of insanity and the mac version sucks CPU endlessly.

Even AIM on mac has smaller windows than MSN's newest IM client. ROFL.

Back to it -- I hate the fact that iChat doesn't, hasn't, and appears to never PLAN to adhere to standards. You can't voicechat or videochat, and there's no support at all for animated buddy images (it could simply be made to only play when hovered in the buddy list -- that'd be nice)

Otherwise it's the best IM program all around. Add capability to turn on and off direct instant message MANUALLY and a way to warn people and it's perfect :drool:

Oh and one more thing. I'd love it if the ichat colors showed in AIM (because on AIM, even if your ichat bubble is red and the text is white -- the text shows as black on a white background).

That really sucks arse. Hrmm what else? Warning levels under people's names? Live timestamps? Away messages that actually work with AIM users? (where when you send an IM to an away ichat user it tells you the message)..

That would REALLY make it the best AIM client

[samson1286]

Link, i agree with u on the whole away message thing. however, u might wanna try picking up icar it's a great little program that basically does exactly what u wish ichat would do. have fun.

[s4iscool]

I think MSN messenger is extremely popular. If you have been on AIM for the last few years, and if your esp a MAC user, all your buddies will be AIM people. On the other hand, I have been on messenger for the last 3 years, and most of my contacts are on there. The PC Messenger is bloated, but it runs nicely, with great audio and video chat features. The customizable emoticons are fun as well.

So its really one of those things where if you grew up on one program, you are going to think its the best. I personally prefer Messenger, and this is why I dont like the Mac versions: no webcam support, no audio support, no customizable emoticons, etc.

[Sophus]

Originally posted by rocky2:
I was told yesterday by somebody who should know that there will be a new version of this software and hardware combination after 6 January permitting A/V conferencing with Windows boxes. It would be nice if Apple added SIP for audio conferencing with POTS too.

iChat is a good beginning, but severely lacking in features. In addition to all the other wishes for next version, I would like to add that camera controls are much needed. iChat demands studio lightning just for people to be able to make out your silhouette. In iVisit and other apps, you can easily adjust brightness. In iChat, my friends only know me as Sauron, the Dark Lord, the shadow...

[Tenacious Dyl]

MSN messanger and AIM were both once popular with my friends and co-workers... however... over the last few months MSN is on its way out :-)

I have to say good riddence to that Microsoft crap. MSN not only looks terrible, but the whole feel of it is like an annoying relative that keeps wanting to play the same game. The icons, the theme, everything. Gah. Sorry for ranting.

I would love iChat, because it is 100% better than AIM in many aspects, but the away message, lack of good profile option(s), and the fact that AIM has many other nice features... I dunno. iChat is better quality, AIM is more options. So AIM it is... for now :-)

[DigitalDNA]

I'd like to see iChat support AIM, MSN, ICQ, and Yahoo. I know there are programs out there that do this but I really like iChat

So come on Apple... build all of this in so I'm not forced to use other software... isnt that what you want -- my full and undivided attention as part of the mindless masses. Well maybe not masses; we've still got a ways to grow. Oh wait! What am I thinking... thats that "other" company I'm thinking of

[Krusty]

Originally posted by DigitalDNA:
I'd like to see iChat support AIM, MSN, ICQ, and Yahoo. I know there are programs out there that do this but I really like iChat

I agree ... I formerly used Fire, Proteus (loved it) and a couple other "multi-chat" clients because I have one or two friends on AIM, one on ICQ, and one who used Yahoo. ALL of them were on PCs (so it wasn't some Mac thing) and NOBODY I knew used MSN. iChat has totally won me over for interface and ease of use .. just wish it was a true multi-client.

posted by Link:
Back to it -- I hate the fact that iChat doesn't, hasn't, and appears to never PLAN to adhere to standards.

Part of the seamless voice and video abilities of iChat are based on a rendezvous-like protocol that Apple has made publicly available. At some conference or other in the past year, SJobs actually said that the "other guys" were free to implement it to make interoperability happen ... but the ball is really in their court. I'd be willing to bet that with the AOL/iTunes agreements of late with accounts and aolmusic, we'll see AOL provide voice and video interop with iChat pretty soon.

[Freeflyer]

Better yet, would be for apple to release iChat for windows.

They released itunes to sell more ipods, imagine the market for isights in a windows world.

J.

[Angus_D]

MSN Messenger is really popular here in the UK, much to my annoyance.

[jld]

You guys should try Adium. Version 2.0 is still in alpha, and multi protocol support (other than AIM) has just been added, but it is _by far_ the best IM client for the Mac, hands down.

http://www.adiumx.com

<edit>There's no AV support yet, but it still rocks.</edit>

[Grrr]

Originally posted by rocky2:
I was told yesterday by somebody who should know that there will be a new version of this software and hardware combination after 6 January permitting A/V conferencing with Windows boxes.

After 6th of january eh.. well, that could be pretty much anytime from now, to oblivion and beyond.
Now then, about this person 'who should know' Go slap them.

[PookJP]

Originally posted by Freeflyer:
Better yet, would be for apple to release iChat for windows.

They released itunes to sell more ipods, imagine the market for isights in a windows world.

J.

Yes and Yes. My thoughts exactly.

[rocky2]

Yep--the person who should have known obviously didn't. I will slap him for you.

And still no support for BT headsets in the audio In/Out preferences.

[iNeusch]

Originally posted by Synotic:
I think that MSN is the most popular in European countries.

true so many people use it here (France)