QuickAdvice: IM All Your Friends On Every Network With Palringo
Palringo Instant Messenger Premium ($4.99) by Palringo Limited is an app for the iPhone and iPod touch that supports multiple IM services all from one app. In today's technological world we all want to stay connected with our friends, and Palringo makes it easy while on the go, no matter what IM service you or your friends use. It supports multiple instant messaging clients which solves the problem of having to install and log into each of them individually.
It supports Gtalk, Facebook Chat, Windows Live Messenger, AIM, Yahoo, ICQ, Jabber, iChat/MobileMe, and Gadu-Gadu.
Now you can be connected with all of your friends, family, and colleagues from one simple app. It works much like Pidgin or Trillian does on a Mac or PC.
The first thing you'll need to do is setup a Palringo account. If you and your friends have multiple IM accounts, setting them up is a breeze. You'll have all of the chat services you use in one simple application. It's not just for chat either. There are a lot of cool extra features included in the premium version. Things such as: sharing photos, videos, and voice memos that you can record on the spot. It also lets you create group chats, and includes location sharing so you know where your friends are with a glance. You can change themes for a more creative look, it supports landscape mode, and keeps conversation histories so you won't forget important details. It has most of the features you'd find with an app like IM+ but they don't "nickel & dime" you with in app purchases.
I had no problem setting it up to use multiple IM services, the interface is nicely laid out and intuitive. It's quite responsive and there's little to no lag time when sending messages or pictures.
I tested it out by chatting with a friend who lives in Thailand, and it was as though we were using IM on a computer. It works very well with multitasking, so switching between Palringo and other applications is a smooth process; no long waits while it loads. It has a more intuitive interface than other IM apps I've used and navigation is easier. Also, the graphics look awesome on an iOS device with a Retina display.
Another neat feature included with the premium version is it that it saves your chat history by default. It also has the ability to stay logged in for 72 hours after closing the app, allowing you to still receive push alerts.
The $4.99 price tag may seem a bit steep for some, but they also offer a free version, that doesn't include the extra features of the premium version. This allows you to try before you buy. You'll find it a lot of fun and very enjoyable to stay connected with Palringo, and all for just the cost of a fast food combo meal.
