The best multi-network IM client is getting better
Cerulean Studios Previews Trillian Astra
I've been a big fan of the Trillian IM client for a long while now. I have accounts on AIM, Y!M, MSN and Googletalk, and friends across all of those networks. While the proprietary clients have gotten better over the years, I still need to use all of the networks to stay in touch. Enter Trillian. Instead of running individual clients for each IM network, Trillian interfaces with all of them, fairly seamlessly. Now, a new version of Trillian is on the horizon, Trillian Astra, and it sounds like a winner.
Astra will add MySpace IM integration to it's already fairly complete line of supported messaging protocols. One interesting feature is the Astra Web Presence, which gives users a personalized web page which others can use to contact them, no IM client required. Also available on the web are real time status updates, widgets and other neat little tricks like updating the desktop from the web.
Astra will improve performance, with memory streamlining, reduced load times (a personal peeve) and improved network performance. File transfers and group chats should work more reliably, hopefully they have solved the NAT traversal problems that have plagued the client for a while now. Tablet PC (hand written note) support, single identity sharing, open protocols and new contact list views also are also adding to the mix.
One thing I noticed and had to laugh at. Quoted from the Astra Preview site (linked below):
By popular request, Trillian Astra now supports the "buzz" feature of many other IM clients. Buzzing your contact is an incredibly annoying way to quickly get their attention. We apologize in advance for coding this.
lol
Trillian Astra is in alpha testing now. Here's to hoping we don't have to wait too long for it.
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