In this article we will talk about what a messenger is in simple words, we will give examples of popular programs and explain how they work. These applications are popular among users and have become widespread. Let's look at what a messenger is and how to use it.

First, let's talk about what it is - a messenger on a mobile phone. It is an application that allows users to exchange messages in an instant. You can share both text and files various formats, for example, photographs, audio recordings or videos. All communication takes place exclusively via the Internet.

Most programs provide the ability to make calls (including video calls) and have built-in entertainment functions. Now you understand what the messenger is for, below we will discuss the functionality of the program. Can you study how a Viber representative works?

Let's note where the name came from and what the word messenger means. It is a translation English word messenger, which means “courier” or “messenger”.

How to use them

Let's highlight the main distinctive features and capabilities of messengers, which will help us understand what they are and should be.

• No data transfer fees, Internet traffic is consumed;
• Instant data transfer;
• Possibility to conduct conversations without additional payment;
• Possibility of transferring data of any format;
• Saving message history;
• Synchronization with contact list;
• Demonstration of interlocutor statuses.

Application benefits:

• Saving money;
• High speed of communication.

Let's look at what applies to instant messengers, using the most downloaded applications as an example.

List of popular applications

There is a huge variety of messengers on the Internet, choose suitable program It's hard enough. We have highlighted several examples and described their functions.

viber

This communication service has gained popularity thanks to its bright design and built-in stickers. In addition to the entertainment component, the program is distinguished by the ability to quickly transfer data and make calls.

Right now you can download Viber from the link https://o-viber.ru.

What's up

One of the oldest and most proven programs. The simple interface hides many convenient features. Users can write messages, make calls to other cities and countries - the application is completely free, there are no in-app purchases.

Additionally, it is possible to create huge group chats and send documents of non-standard format.

Telegram

Telegram blocked in Russia is the most safe program for communication. Users have access to secret chats, the ability to self-destruct messages, and a wide selection of stickers and news channels. The disadvantage is the lack of Russification.

Now you know what a messenger application is on an Android phone (or any other), and you can choose the appropriate program based on the information you have learned.

The word messenger today refers to an Internet service designed for instant messaging. These applications are increasingly used by smartphone owners, displacing traditional SMS. The ease of use of such programs was appreciated by both private enterprises and government agencies.

Progress in the functionality of Internet messengers has stepped far forward. If at the end of the last century, using such services it was possible to exchange only texts, today many of them offer both audio and video contacts between communicating people, and the ability to transfer files.

One of the first most popular not only in our country, but also in the world was the famous “ASKA”. ICQ appeared back in 1996, but even now more than 12 million people use this service. Launched by the Israeli company Mirabilis ICQ, it was purchased by the American AOL in 1998, and since 2010 it has been owned by the Russian corporation Mail.ru Group.

To exchange messages, you need so-called client programs that connect to a central server. That is, communication between subscribers is carried out through a central computer. Unlike email, instant messengers communicate in real time. In many of them you can see the presence status of your contacts.

The integration of the Internet into Cell phones, which are now called smartphones. Applications are developed specifically for mobile operating systems. No wonder that largest audience currently has a smartphone app WhatsApp Messenger, which is available for iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia.

Famous Skype application, which appeared back in 2003, still holds its leading position. We associate any communication with friends and relatives, holding conferences using video with Skype.

U Russian users, if not the most, then at least the application is extremely popular. Viber, according to many users, allows you to “keep in touch” even in conditions of insufficient quality Internet

We can say that the popularity of communication via instant messengers creates competition postal services and social networks. After all, these applications do not require opening a page or loading a browser at all. One of the disadvantages of using applications for online messages is that, for example, to communicate with an ICQ user you need to create an account on this service.

Thus, messengers are very popular messaging services today. Their wide popularity was facilitated by the instant nature of messages (online mode) and the development of applications for smartphones.

Review of messengers. The best and popular Internet messengers

What is a messenger?
Messenger (IM = Instant Messenger) is a program, mobile application or web service for instant messaging.

Most often, a messenger is understood as a program in which you write messages and where you read them. However, behind each such program there is a messaging network, which is also included in the concept of “messenger”. This could be a network within your company, or it could be global network, for example Jabber.

Due to the fact that there are quite a lot of these networks, not all instant messengers are compatible. Those. It’s not a fact that if you have a messenger and your partner has a messenger, you will be able to contact him.

It must be said that the concept of a messenger has long been no longer associated only with the exchange of text messages. Modern messengers have already become full-fledged communication centers that, in addition to messaging, implement voice and video communications, file exchange, and web conferences.

The most popular instant messengers are WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, Skype, ICQ, Google Hangouts.

Below you will find some news from the most popular instant messengers and see their history.

Telegram has released a new update to the messenger, which added support for multiple accounts to the iOS application. Previously, the ability to add multiple accounts was only available on Android. Now iOS users can link up to three numbers to their application. This will allow you to quickly switch between them without having to log out of your account. In addition, the user will receive notifications from all accounts - they will also indicate which account they were sent to.

A new version The popular messenger Viber 10 received a new design, as well as two new features: group calls and chats with a hidden number. Chats with hidden numbers Viber allows you to communicate in the messenger without exchanging phone numbers. To start a conversation, you need to copy the username from a message in the community or from the list of group members. Group calls in Viber work for groups of up to five people at a time. Interlocutors can be connected to the current call. Or, do new challenge and add group chat participants to it. For now, such calls are available only in audio format; in the future they promise to add video chats. The call screen has also been updated in the application: you can view latest calls, go to your contact list, and manage Viber Out calls in one tab.

2019. VEON messenger is closed

The Veon group, which includes the Russian Beeline and the Ukrainian Kyivstar, decided to close its “revolutionary” messenger. Veon was launched in 2017 and operators tried to get their users hooked on it by offering free traffic to communicate via this messenger (and at the same time, making the traffic of other messengers paid). But even this did not allow the messenger to take off. In addition, Telegram withstood the attack by Roskomnadzor, and space for the messenger controlled by the authorities was not freed up.

2018. Google is closing messengers Hangouts and Allo

Google decided to clean up its range of instant messengers and discovered that it had two unnecessary ones - Hangouts and Allo. The Hangouts messenger appeared in 2011 as part of a social Google network+ and was known for its multi-user video calling. Last year, 2 business products were created on its basis: Hangouts Meet (video conferencing service) and Hangouts Chat (group chat - an alternative to Slack). But now they have decided to close the user version of Hangouts. As for the Allo messenger, it was positioned as a home for virtual Google Assistant Assistant (you can communicate not only with real people, but also with AI). But now Google Assistant is built into Android by default, and the need for such a messenger has disappeared.

2018. In Russia, all messenger users are identified

The Russian government has come up with new rules for the operation of instant messengers, which will come into force in the spring of 2019. Now, when registering a new account, instant messengers will have to send the phone number, first and last name of the user specified during registration to the mobile operator, and within 20 minutes the operator will have to check whether the This data is what the user specified when purchasing the SIM card. If not, the account created in the messenger must be deleted. The government has not yet come up with an algorithm for checking existing accounts. If the messenger refuses to cooperate, it will be blocked in the Russian Federation. True, Telegram has still not been blocked.

2018. Facebook has updated the Messenger interface

Facebook introduced a new, more simple version Messenger service. Instead of nine tabs in the messenger, there will be three main tabs on the bottom panel, but all existing functions will still be available: Chats (all user conversations will be here), People ( active contacts), Discover (chat rooms with companies through which you can purchase goods and services). Messenger also received additional settings personalization: for example, the user will be able to set different colors messages for individual chats. In the future, Facebook promises to add a dark theme to Messenger.

2018. Piomni.io - allows you to conduct business in one messenger

Messengers have become a priority channel of communication with clients and the main tool for collaboration in the company. Therefore, it is quite logical to make the messenger the basis for a business management system, as happened with the new service Piomni.io. It is integrated with everyone popular systems messages: Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, VK... and allows you to communicate with all clients in one window. And besides this, maintain a customer database, create mailings and chatbots. And also create workspaces for communication and collaboration within the company. The developers also offer integration with Slack and many CRM systems. The cost of the service starts from 5900 rubles/month.

2018. Pinngle - messenger from Zigma telecom is actively conquering RuNet

Pinngle is a relatively new messenger for the Russian segment of the Internet, along with the functionality standard for any messenger, and unique advantages to your users. Shared chats for up to 10,000 people - are you in three chats instead of one because of the 250 person limit? With Pinngle you don't have to worry about such complications. Virtual mobile numbers and Pinngle Out allow you to call any number within any country from anywhere in the world while staying in touch with your family and friends via a virtual number as if you had never left the country. I would also like to highlight Pinngle’s ability to support calls even with a terrible Internet connection. The quality of communication remains high in almost any situation.

2018. Google announced a new messenger - Chat

There hasn't been a new messenger from Google for a long time. Users with popcorn are waiting for the list to be replenished: Google Talk, GMail Chat, Google Plus Chat, Gizmo, Hangouts, Meet, Allo, Duo. And now, finally, Google announced that the Allo project (launched a year and a half ago) is being closed, and in its place (in a few months) a new messenger will appear - Chat. But it won't be regular messenger. This will be a new SMS standard through which you can send text, status, pictures, and videos. The idea is that any two Android phones can send messages to each other and there will be no problem that your contacts are not registered in some messenger. For this idea to work, it is necessary that mobile operators supported the new standard. Google says 55 operators around the world have already agreed. Oh, and by the way, this new standard does not support end-to-end encryption, so it will not be banned like Telegram.

2016. Viber launched public accounts for business

The most popular messenger in our country, Viber, has added the ability to create public accounts for companies and brands. Until now, Viber has been used to communicate between businesses and clients. public chats, where a company representative could write messages, and subscribers could only read them, or the company and the client had to add each other to contacts. A business account will allow you to organize two-way communication with subscribers. In addition, you can connect bots to such chats, as well as integrate them with your CRM system to see the communication history in the client card. For now, creating business accounts is only upon request (as well as public chats), but it is absolutely free.

2016. Google launched the intelligent messenger Allo

Google has launched a new messenger - Allo. It is positioned as a “smart” messenger, because... Google Assistant is built into it - virtual assistant with artificial intelligence. It responds to user queries and can also be added to a group conversation. The messenger studies the user’s habits, and the data obtained is implemented in the “Smart Reply” function - the application prompts the user for his typical answers to certain questions. In this case, all messages will be encrypted between the device and Google servers, like Hangouts and Gmail. The application has an “incognito” mode - in this case, end-to-end encryption is used, you can set the storage time for transferred data, and messages sent in this mode are not displayed on the lock screen.

2016. Viber and WhatsApp have learned to send files

While mobile operators get rid of messengers like Viber and WhatsApp through legislation, and Google replaces messengers with the new SMS standard, the messengers themselves continue to increase their capabilities. This time we are talking about a business-oriented function - file transfer. I added it back in the fall, but only recently it became available in its desktop version. The resulting file is synchronized between all user devices on which Viber is installed. As for the file transfer function, it has just appeared, and so far it only supports PDF files. But WhatsApp allows you to send files stored in Google Drive, Dropbox and iCloud.

Pavel Durov's service - Telegram - has taken aim at the market of instant messengers for team work, where Slack, HipChat and other similar solutions are firmly established. Today users Telegram applications for iOS, OS X, Android, as well as the web version of the service, it became possible to use hashtags (#), respond to a specific message in correspondence (by double tap on him or by long tap), and also address a specific participant in the correspondence using the “@” symbol. Support for hashtags is currently only implemented in the Latin alphabet, which may cause some inconvenience for those who correspond in a language other than English. Clicking on a hashtag in Telegram instantly opens a search window where you can see all mentions of the selected tag.

2014. Telegram messenger attracts business users

Mobile messengers in Lately are rapidly multiplying and luring users away from social networks. After some time, the same thing will happen in the business sphere - instead of corporate Facebooks, corporate Vibers will appear. The Telegram service (created by the founder of VKontakte, Pavel Durov) initially relied on privacy and security, and apparently, that’s why business users were the first to start using it. In a recent interview, Pavel boasted that more and more workgroups are using Telegram to collaborate instead of email. He believes that in addition to encryption, business users like Telegram's ability to sync messages and files between mobile and desktop versions, display message statuses (read or not), and organize large group chats.

You probably know about Snapchat, a very popular instant messenger that gained its popularity thanks to disappearing messages (users can send each other messages or photos that disappear a few seconds after viewing). So, Blackberry thought that such a feature would be useful for business users and added it to their messenger. For what? To send messages that cannot later be used against you - for example, offers of kickbacks. Another new feature is “message recall”. If you suddenly mistakenly sent a photo with a kiss to your employee, and not to your wife, you can now delete this message on the recipient’s phone with one click.

2014. Bleep - secure messenger from BitTorrent

Last year, the BitTorrent company (the same one that invented torrents) released the SoShare file sharing service for business, and this year it introduced a secure messenger - Bleep (also based on the BitTorrent p2p network). Bleep encrypts all user communications, all the way from user to user. In theory, only the sender and recipient of the message can read them. Although there are quite a few instant messengers that encrypt user messages (in fact, the vast majority of IMs do this job), Bleep is one of the first, or the first application, that does not leave metadata on a central server. Bleep is currently available for Windows 7 and 8, Mac, Android. iOS version is under development.

2014. Facebook Messenger is available on Windows Phone

Actually, Facebook is friends with Microsoft. In fact, Microsoft is a co-owner of Facebook. However, the social network waited more than two years before launching a version of its mobile messenger for Windows Phone. The Facebook Messenger mobile application for iPhone and Android smartphones was released back in August 2011. Facebook Messenger's features include the ability to send stickers and photos, conduct group chats, track message receipts, and find out which Facebook contacts are online.

2014. Web messenger Imo.im disables all protocols

Multi-protocol messengers were once popular. Once upon a time, web messengers (running in a browser) were considered the future of Internet communications. But then mobile messengers with closed protocols came, and browser-based messengers are now remembered only when they are closed. The Imo.im service is not closing yet, but is completely switching to its own protocol. All other protocols (Jabber, ICQ, Facebook) are no longer supported. Users who still remain on multi-protocol instant messengers are encouraged to switch to other services: IM+ Web, Trillian, QIP, Jappix, ICQ Web.

2014. Japanese Internet giant bought Viber

(3rd richest in Japan Hiroshi Mikitani and Viber founder Talmon Marco) The Japanese company Rakuten bought, perhaps, the main (today) competitor of Skype - the messenger for $900 million. Of course, this immediately brought to mind the recent purchase of fring American company Genband, after which fring was turned into an engine for telecom providers. However, in this case there is no need to be afraid for Viber. Rakuten is not going to close or somehow remake Viber to suit its needs. They will simply invest money in it in the hope of defeating Skype and somehow getting back their investment (for example, using an IP telephony service). Ratuken has a diversified business of investing in Internet startups. For example, they own the platform e-books Kobo, they are co-owners of OZON, Pinterest and other Internet projects. Let us remind you that Viber is a cross-platform messenger that supports free voice and sometimes video communication. Its developers are mainly located in Belarus. On this moment This service is used by about 300 million people.

2011. Mail.ru combines Agent and ICQ

The Mail.Ru Group company announced that it has implemented compatibility between the two largest instant messengers on the Runet - Mail.Ru Agent and ICQ. Now Mail.Ru Agent users can send messages to ICQ users and vice versa. Both messengers now work with a single contact database, so you can search for counterparties from any program, regardless of whether they use Agent or ICQ. It is important to note that the new functionality is implemented on the server side, so communication with users added from another network is possible in almost all versions of Mail.Ru Agent and ICQ, including on mobile platforms. To date common base users of the two messengers - about 50 million. The main competitor of Mail.ru Agent and ICQ in Runet is free QIP messenger from RBC. Its audience is approximately 10 million people.

2011. Cisco introduced the upgraded Jabber

Cisco is finally launching Cisco Jabber, based on the Jabber XCP platform purchased in 2008. Cisco Jabber is a multimedia corporate messenger, which in addition to control online status and text chat provides voice, video, conference calls, video mail, and screen-sharing. Moreover, it works on PC, Mac, and mobile platforms - iPhone, iPad, Nokia, Android and BlackBerry. And the server part can work both in the cloud and on a local server. Of course, to control online status and text chat, Cisco Jabber uses the open Jabber protocol (XMPP), which allows you to communicate through this messenger with external partners using GTalk, AIM, Sametime or other popular IM clients. Cisco Jabber can also “talk” to other Cisco communication systems: WebEx, Cisco Telepresence, Cisco UC, Cisco IP phones. Moreover, it is integrated with MS Office and allows you to initiate chat or video chat directly from office applications such as MS Outlook.

2010. Nokia welcomes Skype for Symbian to OVI Store

OVI Store is an online supermarket of mobile applications for Nokia phones(like iPhone App Store). It was launched in May last year, but has only become popular in recent months. Recently he even surpassed App Store by number of downloads per day. Once in the OVI Store, mobile applications receive a huge surge in popularity, but for an application to get there, it must pass Nokia moderation. So, Skype for Symbian was allowed there, which means Nokia is no longer afraid of conflicts with (European) mobile operators, who have repeatedly threatened the company with sanctions due to its partnership with Skype. Let us remind you that Skype for Symbian allows Nokia smartphones make free or cheap VoIP calls over Wi-Fi and 3G networks.

2008. GTalk made friends with Windows Live Messenger

Messenger developers have finally realized what their users have known for a long time - there are too many of these programs. Last week, Microsoft managed to integrate Live Messenger 9 and Google Talk for communication and now they are also working on integration with AIM and ICQ. Considering that Live Messenger 8 can already talk to Yahoo Messenger, we may soon see the emergence of universal system instant messages. Still the best solution Trillian was in this case. Although it didn't integrate different systems messages, but allowed you to communicate in each without installing ten instant messengers on your computer. Users are looking forward to new opportunities for communication and collaboration between several IM programs, as this will give them the opportunity to select only one program and work in it, rather than using several similar programs at the same time.

2007. Mail.ru has released a web version of the Mail.ru Agent messenger

Mail.Ru company announced the release of a web version of the Mail.ru Agent messenger client. The current version has been assigned test (beta) status. Anyone can take part in testing. The web version of the client supports all the basic functions that the Mail.Ru Agent client for Windows has. It is capable of displaying a list of contacts with online presence statuses, sending and receiving instant text messages, searching for contacts, viewing profiles, etc. In the future, Mail.Ru plans to add to the list of opportunities network client the ability to send SMS for free, use an alarm clock, send each other “emoticons” and cartoons made in Flash. To work with the application you need any browser with JavaScript support and cookies enabled.

2007. Yahoo Messenger has become friends with Lotus Sametime

Starting today, Yahoo Messenger users will be able to officially communicate with the multimillion-dollar audience of business users of Sametime (IBM Lotus platform messenger). Let me remind you that in addition to this, Yahoo Messenger is already integrated with Windows Live Messender.

2007. Fring allows you to communicate via Skype and Google Talk on Symbian OS

Today the next version of the Fring program was released, which claims support for smartphones running on the operating system Symbian OS 9. Unfortunately, the program also has its drawbacks. So this version Doesn't understand Cyrillic at all. Therefore, you will have to chat either in English or using transliteration. Russian names in the contact list will be displayed as crakosabs, so it is better to rename them in advance on your desktop computer. Also, you will have to resort to help " big brother"in order to add or remove a Skype contact - Fring does not yet know how to do this. But will this stop Skype users who have already been waiting for the release of the native Skype client for Symbian. Recall that Fring is alternative client, which allows you to use such well-known services as Skype and Google Talk on your mobile phone.

2006. Skype for Symbian OS will be released by the end of the year

Skype client version for portable devices, running the Symbian OS operating system, should appear towards the end of this year. Skype is one of the most popular IP telephony networks. The number of users of this service today exceeds 100 million. Currently, there is already a version of the Skype client software designed for use on communicators with the Windows Mobile operating system. The possibility of releasing a similar application for Symbian OS was discussed last year. However, recently there was a wave of rumors on the Internet that Skype had decided to abandon the development of a Symbian-compatible client. Now company representatives have denied this information.

2006. Messenger 6 for Mac: Down with Windows Live!

If, for reasons unknown, you managed to download the latest sixth Microsoft version Messenger for Mac, you have installed the program and are using it with all your might, then we give at least fifty chances out of a hundred that the tiny Windows Live logo in the upper right part of the Messenger 6 window hurts your eyes a little. Oddly enough, but getting rid of this “speck” is not at all difficult – just open the Applications folder and find there Microsoft file Messenger.app, click right button mouse to open the context menu and select the Show Packages Content option there. Then follows a short journey through the subdirectories (from Contents to Resource) and search for four PNG files: ContactListMSNLogo.png, IMMSLogo.png, IMMSNLogo.png and MSNLogo.png - delete them or just copy them to separate folder. Achieving final perfection will also not be difficult: to do this, just open the ill-fated MSNLogo.png in Photoshop, select the entire image with the Cmd-A shortcut and delete it, then save the file under the same name and send it back to the Resources directory. After a reboot, Messenger 6 will look much cleaner.

2006. MyChat - client-server messenger for local network

MyChat is a client-server communication system for corporate network. Works under Windows Me/NT/2000/XP via TCP/IP protocol. Functionality includes sending/receiving text messages, files, sending SMS to mobile phones, public and secret channels, private messages, newsletters broadcast messages, planner, notebook, address book and much more. All administrative actions are performed on the server using GUI, built-in console or Telnet session. All transmitted messages can be stored in server protocols. There is a mechanism for channel operators and server operators. You can set up various filters: for users, flood, bad words, etc. The operation of the server can be controlled not only directly from behind it, but also remotely, from using Telnet sessions from any operating system.

2006. Microsoft launched Windows Live Messenger

Windows Live Messenger is the latest generation of MSN Messenger. New messenger includes enhanced voice and video features, an improved contact list, shared folders for files, improved security technologies, integration with communication services Windows Live Mail, MSN Hotmail, Windows Live Search and MSN Spaces. The program requires Windows XP and Flash Player 7.0, Microsoft Passport, or Windows Live ID account. In the near future, a postal version is expected to be released Windows services Live Mail.

Communications between people today have reached the highest level of technology. Advances in computer technology have made it possible to exchange messages in seconds (or instantly). This allows people to communicate in real time, even while being hundreds of thousands of kilometers away from each other. Using the instant messaging system, you can exchange not only text messages, but also images, sound signals and video recordings. For communications of this kind, a special client program called Instant Messenger is used. Let's figure out what a messenger is, what it can be, and what opportunities it gives to modern users.

Messenger: concept

Messenger - from the English “courier” or “messenger”. These are programs for instant messaging between users. Speed ​​is their main advantage over regular email. Here the message is transmitted with lightning speed, while the update mailbox happens every few minutes. When talking about what a messenger is, we should clarify important feature- he is client program. This means that the program cannot work independently; to use it, you must connect to the server ( central computer networks).

In the first versions of this, the recipient saw the message already at the time of its composition, which was not entirely convenient, since the user could make a mistake, correct it, edit the sentence, and all this was displayed in the dialog window. Today, the text appears on the interlocutor’s screen after it has been completely edited and sent (the Enter or “Send” button). Besides, in modern versions communication can occur not only through text messages, but also through other actions - exchange of graphic, audio and video files, voice and even video communication (for example, Skype).

Features and types of messengers

Every modern person uses at least one, and most often several, instant messengers at the same time. Need for different networks messaging is due to the fact that there is no direct connection between them. Each of the programs was created separate group developers, has its own servers and protocols, features and rules of use. For example, a user on the ICQ network cannot communicate directly with someone using Skype or MSN. However, no one forbids having both of them.

Today, there are a number of messengers that are most popular among users. This is Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN, ICQ, AOL, Facebook Messenger, Skype and others. All these are Internet messengers that work when connected to worldwide network. Messenger can be installed not only on a computer, but also on a mobile device. This became possible with the advent of affordable mobile Internet, as well as with the development of multitasking smartphones. Let's look at the most popular free instant messengers aimed at simultaneous work on devices of different types.

Google Talk

This is probably the most versatile mobile messenger. It is used in the popular social network Google+ and the built-in Gmail chat. This is an open solution, supported by other clients that work with its protocol (XMPP) - Pidgin, Ya.Online, etc. Google Talk is used in Android to solve many problems, and the user here is always online and can receive messages even when when not using chat. At the same time, to work with the messenger you don’t even need to have a Google account; you can communicate through your Yandex profile, for example.

Facebook Messenger

What is Facebook Messenger? This is a product developed by programmers of a popular social network - the only one of the largest messengers that is not tied to any specific platform. Thanks to this, his audience is several times larger than others. Using this program, you can send messages both to Facebook users and to email, and even in the form of SMS (for some operators). Any user can receive messages via Facebook Messenger to their email. The mailbox address in this case looks like this: [email protected].

iMessage

This messenger is developed for all users Apple technology. The program is integrated into standard application Messages and has a number of advantages. So, before sending a message, the system checks whether the user is online and, depending on the result, sends him an email or SMS. Another plus is that you can start a conversation on one device (for example, iPad), and continue on another (for example, iPhone). This is possible thanks to the presence of cloud synchronization.

Messenger

This is a standard messenger for the operating room Windows systems 7 Phone. It is compatible with both the official Windows Live Messenger desktop client and many other programs (eg Pidgin, Adium). There is a built-in email service, chat, cloud version. Besides, important point is support for the popular Facebook network. When choosing a contact, the user can independently indicate the method of communication (SMS, Messenger, Facebook) depending on its availability in a particular network (which the system informs in advance).

Recently, such universal applications as WhatsApp Messenger, Viber and some others have become popular. They are available for installation on various devices- Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Nokia, etc.

Conclusion

Today everyone knows what a messenger is. This is an indispensable attribute of modern society, allowing you to build communications and communicate easily, quickly and often for free. The presence of the Internet today is not a problem, it is everywhere. That’s why instant messengers are actively replacing (and quite successfully) SMS as independent method communications. Selection of convenient and multifunctional networks Instant messaging is becoming more widespread every year.

Hi all! In today's article I want to talk in more detail about popular instant messengers. These programs, along with social networks, are increasingly becoming part of our daily lives every day and, probably, many will no longer be able to imagine life without WhatsApp, Viber or Skype. The Internet messenger program not only allows you to communicate with friends at a distance, but also saves money on SMS and MMS messages, since such applications use Internet access to operate. Therefore, let's start with a short review.

Messenger is a program designed for exchanging various types of messages between users. Using such programs you can send text messages, graphic and audio messages. And also many of them allow video communication between clients and even video conferencing.

As a rule, instant messengers are installed on a mobile device, but among them there are those that support the possibility of simultaneous installation on a computer. They take up little space in system memory and often run in background, notifying the user of received messages. Messenger programs are undemanding in terms of Internet speed and work equally well in both Wi-Fi conditions connections, as well as with a mobile connection.

They allow you to be in touch around the clock if you have access to the network; without it they do not function. The user to whom the message is addressed will also be able to receive and read it only when the device is connected to the Internet. Thus, you can exchange information in a shareware mode. Some messengers even allow you to create separate channels and conduct public activities through them.

Currently, the number of possible messengers is large and constantly growing. Therefore, choosing the right one for yourself will not be difficult, however, it is worth remembering one feature. Different programs, unfortunately, are in no way connected with each other and exclude interaction between different messengers. Therefore, one user often has to have several different applications on his device in order to effectively communicate with all contacts.

Popular messengers

When choosing which messenger to download, you should focus on the preferences of people from your contact list in order to ensure communication with maximum number users. You can also choose from a list of the most popular applications.

Facebook Messenger

This messenger is integrated with one of the popular social networks - Facebook. Initially, it was developed as an addition to the network and allowed messaging between users in real time. After some time, the messenger separated from the social network and it became possible to use the application without registering with Facebook. Currently, the application can be installed on any device.

Pros of Facebook Messenger:

• allows you to transmit information in any format;
• there is the ability to edit images;
• allows you to make not only voice calls, but also video calls;
• you can set the status;
• you can create a group conversation;
• transmission of GIF animations.

The big plus is that there are no ads in the application. The disadvantages include the fact that messages cannot be edited or deleted. The sent message is deleted only from the user; the recipient will receive and read the sent message in any case.

whatsapp messenger

Application for mobile device, which supports all possible platforms from iOS and Android to Symbian and Asha.

The distinctive feature of this messenger from others is that it is paid. The first year of use is provided by the developers free of charge; further use requires payment.

Features functionality:

• allows you to transmit all types of information;
• video calls are made only from devices on popular platforms;
• it is possible to create large group conversations;
• It uses Internet traffic economically and easily operates under speed restrictions;
• there is no character limit in messages;
• synchronizes the contact list with the user's phone book;
• it is possible to re-register the application for a new number without losing your message history and contact list;
• allows you to customize your profile.

Telegram messenger

Telegram messenger of Russian origin, created by the founder of the social network VKontakte. It has gained recognition due to its high degree of security and confidentiality. It is believed that this messenger cannot be hacked and the user’s personal information can be used.

The messenger is free and allows you to exchange any information. The application is available for devices on iOS platforms and Android, in order to install the application on your PC, read the article -. Can be done mass mailings messages and use conference calls. Telegram has a function of secret dialogues that are automatically erased after a certain time; this function is available in the case of mutual setting of secrecy by the participants in the conversation.

Telegram does not allow you to make calls. Has the ability to download and compress images. Registration in the messenger occurs by phone number, and in case of loss of the gadget, it is possible to remotely block the messenger.

Viber

One of the most common messengers. This application allows you to make calls anywhere in the world via an Internet connection. Thanks to this, it is more popular than others. It is possible to install the application on your home PC.

The application is completely free, but has paid option, allowing non-users to make calls from the application. In messages you can use stickers, some of which are provided free of charge, others on a commercial basis. Viber also has public chats, the creation of which ordinary users is not yet available, but you can subscribe to a chat on interesting topics and stay up to date with the latest publications. It also supports the ability to delete a message from a conversation not only for yourself, but for all participants. For Viber installations to your computer, use the instructions - .

Another feature of this messenger is games. The application allows you to play several games integrated with it, which are installed separately on the device.

Good old Skype

One of the oldest, but no less popular applications. Its activities are aimed primarily at video communication between users located anywhere globe. But there is also the possibility of exchanging text messages. The messenger is available for almost any device.

In order to collect a list of contacts, you must first find them in Skype. The program allows you to forward calls to a mobile number if there is no Internet connection. By connecting to a suitable tariff plan, you can even send SMS to mobile phones and make corresponding calls. Skype is in no way inferior in functionality to other popular instant messengers, and in some cases even surpasses them.

Free messenger Mail.ru Agent

Another universal application for user communication. Mail.ru Agent is completely free, but at the same time it has all the functions for messaging. Allows users to make video calls and audio calls using the Internet, exchange pictures, audio recordings and video files. The program differs from many instant messengers in that it is capable of combining several information exchange protocols at once.

So, using Mail.ru Agent you can combine several accounts of different social networks and communication programs at once:

Thus, by downloading just one application, you can communicate with all users of different social networks. This makes the program unique in its kind. The application has high speed and good stability.

Let's summarize.

In today's article, we looked at the most popular programs messengers. I did not consider programs such as ICQ, QIP, Bleep, Jabber, GTalk and other less popular ones. Because I think that information about them is less relevant for many users. If you actively use some messenger that is not listed here, then write in the comments. We will definitely look into it and add it to the article. Perhaps soon to be replaced specified programs Other more popular and functional ones will pass, but now they have no competitors. You can download any of these messengers in the Market of your mobile device or on the application website.