Web based messengers allow you to sign in to the Messenger network without downloading and installing Windows Live Messenger or any other program. Using a Web based messenger is useful in school or work environments where Windows Live Messenger might be blocked or you are not allowed to use instant messaging.
The Web sites below allow you to sign in using just a Web browser, no installing is required. If Windows Live Messenger has been blocked or disabled where you are, you may find some of these will be blocked too, as whoever is in charge has found out about them!
- MSN Web Messenger
- eBuddy
- ILoveIM
- Meebo
- MSN2Go
- IMhaha
- KoolIM
- Communication Tube
- Messenger FX
- Instan-t Express
- Mabber
- IMUnitive
- Snimmer
- NEW: RadiusIM
This page will be updated whenever I find another Web site to add to the list. Do you know of another one that’s not listed here? Please leave a comment here for other people to see!
Kool IM, launched in July 2006, is one of the more recently released Web based instant messaging services supporting the Windows Live Messenger network. It also supports a few networks most others don’t, such as Google Talk, ICQ and Sametime.
Kool IM launched version 2 a couple of weeks ago, with the most notable change being the switch from pop-up windows to being entirely embedded in one page using AJAX.
IMhaha is a multi-network Web based messenger that supports four of the top instant messaging services including MSN, Yahoo!, AIM and QQ (China’s leading IM with over 200 million active users).
Using a Web based messenger like IMhaha is useful at school or work where Windows Live Messenger might be blocked or you are not allowed to use instant messaging, as it allows you to sign in using just your Web browser.
The service has been around since early last year, so in some cases it may be blocked where instant messaging is not allowed.
TechAddress has an interview with IMhaha, revealing more about the Silicon Valley based startup such as what sets them apart from other similar services, and an explanation about the interesting name.
