Apps
ICQ, Legendary Instant Messaging App, Is Mounting A Comeback
Introducing New Versions For Popular Smartphones, Tablets
By Gary Krakow
In the early days of the Internet boom a little program called ICQ ruled the roost when it came to this new thing called “instant messaging”.
At its peak in 2001, ICQ boasted more than 100 million users Then came the competition. Today there are 2 million active ICQ users. And now, they're trying to increase those numbers again.
Beginning today, ICQ (which stands for “I seek you”) is releasing a new version of its software “advancing a new strategic focus on mobile platforms”.
Four months ago they released advanced versions for iOS and Android devices. Today's new version builds on that and adds “critical new functionality including sending photos, sharing their current location plus added compatibility with iPads.
ICQ was originally the invention of the Israeli company Mirabilis in 1996. It was, almost immediately, sold to America Online. It is now owned by Russian company Mail.ru.
For the record, ICQ has also recently released a version for Windows Phone devices.