LATEST IM VERSIONS

This is a list of the latest instant messaging, voice over IP (VoIP) and chat programs, with links to the official sites where you can download them. Unless noted otherwise, all of these programs are free. We make every effort to keep this listing up-to-date, but before you complain that your favorite IM program isn’t listed, let me remind you of two things. First, this is not an exhaustive list of every IM program under the sun — just the ones that are most significant. And secondly, if you would like to see something added, or have an update to report, please,

The Main Players

	AIM/AOL Messenger Overview | AIM Forum	6.9.13.4
	Digsby Overview | Digsby Forum	Build 62
	Google Talk Overview | Google Talk Forum	1.0.0.104
	ICQ Overview | ICQ Forum	6.5.1042
	Skype Overview | Skype Forum	4.0.0.226
	Trillian Overview | Trillian Forum	4.0 Build 104
	Windows Live Messenger Overview | Windows Live Messenger Forum	2009 Build 14.0.8064.206
	Yahoo! Messenger Overview | Yahoo! Messenger Forum	9.0.0.2152

The Contenders

	Adium – Mac	1.3.4b1
	Miranda – PC	0.7.19 (beta)
	QQ 2009 – PC	1.23.375.0
	Instan-T - PC Overview	5.0
	iChat – Mac	4.0.0.206
	PaltalkScene – PC	9.6
	Gizmo5 – PC, Mac, Linux, Nokia Tablet	4.0.5.389
	Pidgin – PC, Linux Overview | Pidgin Forum	2.5.5

The Mobile Crowd

Mobile messaging lets you IM from anywhere. These programs usually have limited features compared to their desktop siblings. Not all programs support all mobile operating systems.

	AIM iPhone, Windows Mobile, G1, Symbian
	BeeJive IM iPhone
	IM+ iPhone
	Fring iPhone
	Truphone iPhone
	QQ iPhone
	Nimbuzz iPhone
	Palringo iPhone

A great resource for the latest versions of software in all categories is FileHippo.com. And if you need to find an older version of one of these programs, check out OldVersion.com
To learn which IM lets you communicate with each IM network, check out our IM operability matrix.
This list is still being developed. Your comments and feedback are welcome!