Three options to optimize communication via web

The web communication area is without a doubt, one of the most powerful of all areas; that has advanced lot in short time, thanks to the technology advances and the complex convergence that characterizes the Internet. We can say that there are many ways to communicate as platforms, but only few of them provide accurate solutions. Here are three of the most popular and used: ooVoo, TweetDeck and Windows Live Messenger 2011.

ooVoo is an application that was thought for VoIP clients, being its main competitor Skype. One of the main advantages that ooVoo has is the possibility of having video conference for up to 6 simultaneous users. It also offers the possibility of creating chat channels between ooVoo users and add them to a website. What´s more, with ooVoo you can record and send video messages up to 5 MB. One disadvantage we might find is regarding audio and video quality which depends on the Internet connection the user has, although this is surprisingly good.

To sump up, ooVoo has a nice interface design in 3D format that together with its technical functionality, offers an intuitive user-friendly platform to the user.

On the other hand, TweetDeck, is an application that allows the integration of social networks such as: Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Google Buzz and MySpace, among others. Its creation answered the aim of Twitter users that wanted to read and post tweets in a personalized interface, and even split the screen into as many columns as categories they want. Another feature that stands out in TweetDeck is to shorten the URLs from its interface, with just one click on the link (very useful when tweeting only 140 characters.)

Even thought TweetDeck and ooVoo are two applications for online communications that successfully meet the expectations of their users, without a doubt, Windows Live Messenger 2011, the new version of the popular Microsoft´s messaging client, is the most popular one and stands out for its new functionality. Among them we can find the possibility that users of the new Windows Live Messenger 2011 can synchronize their accounts with social networks (Facebook, MySpace, etc.).

In addition to this, another improvement they have made regarding its interface is that the conversations are no longer in different windows but now the main window includes them, assigning an individual tab for each one. This gives a better control of the conversation organizing them. Another feature we cannot left mentioning is that they added something new to the new format of Windows Live Messenger 2011, the file transfer has come out on top in this new development, as well as the ability to post status updates in different social networks from the same interface.

As we saw before, the options are many and good, but your choice will depend on which is the primary concern you have when communicating over the web, there you will have to choose between: ooVoo, TweetDeck or Windows Live Messenger 2011

Windows Live Messenger 2011: New and improved

The convergence of different technological platforms for communication between network´s users is improving day after day. An example of this is the latest development that this new version of Windows Live Messenger 2011 brings, that as main new feature, offers the possibility of integrating and synchronizing Facebook and Windows Live Messenger 2011 accounts.

The developers of this new version of Windows Live Messenger 2011 have made a total hit in the subject, both esthetic and as in the functionality of this new version. As regards the development of the interface, Windows Live Messenger 2011 definitively changed the old design this classic application has, even changing the aspects of the emoticons, now much modern.

Another change regarding the esthetic aspect is that the chatting window is no longer showed in separate windows, but integrated into different tabs. This allows users to scroll through Windows Live Messenger 2011 conversations in a simple way.

While this esthetic change is important, certainly the most important innovation Windows Live Messenger 2011 brings is the convergence with Facebook. This integration allows user to know in detail and right away the updates of their contacts in Windows Live Messenger 2011 or their friends in Facebook. It also allows us to share data with our contacts or post them on Facebook in a friendly way.

This new functionality of Windows Live Messenger 2011, allows, either, send messages to users who are online in one site or another. Also, this platforms convergence makes easier to interact with users through mobile phone, either in Windows Live Messenger 2011 or in Facebook.

Facebook launched its new personalized messaging service

We often publish in the portal news, applications and Facebook launches, and this time, this is not an exception. The so waited Facebook’s e-mail was finally launched by Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO and creator of the social network that has more than 500 million users around the world. Chat, mobile messaging and email all in one?

Yes, indeed. However, it was Mark Zuckerberg, who emphasized the difference between the new “Facebook’s messaging system,” and the traditional, “slow and very formal” e-mail. That´s why, this messaging system is only a “function” among the others that are already offered on Facebook, but this obviously does not overshadow it.

It is expected that this Facebook messaging service makes a huge difference when communicating from a platform where traditional chat, mobile messaging and e-mail can merge.

As we mentioned before, Mark Zuckerberg put in a lot of effort, throughout the presentation, to remember that Facebook communication system “is not an e-mail” and does not intend to compete against Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc. In any case, each user can get its own email address as domain@facebook.com associated with the display name used in the profile.

Between the advantages and benefits this messaging service offers we can named: its informality and fluidity (updates and alerts in real time), a complete history of conversations (that only practice will determine whether or not it is useful) and the control of all messages (regardless of their origin-chat, e-mail, etc.), among other functions.

But for those who like old-fashion things, which are the minority in the social networks world, accessing this e-mail account is not mandatory but optional. So if you’re one of the few that still use e-mail for more informal communications nobody will stop you (though, just for remembering, the vast majority of Facebook or Tuenti users only use the internal messaging service provided by social networks).

At the moment is only available in the U.S., but will gradually be extended to other countries, the new messaging service finally arrived and like everything that comes from Mark Zuckerberg, will surely succeed, making users gradually migrate to it.

Integrating Skype with Facebook

Nowadays, the integration between messaging services is a boom. A proof of this is the recent launch of Windows Live Messenger 2011. Along with it, Skype, the popular program that offers calls and video calls over the Internet, has added this option with Facebook.

Doing this after downloading Skype´s latest version is very simple. We will find in the main Skype window a tab with the Facebook logo. By clicking there, you need to enter your user name, network and then click on “allow” so it can be integrated correctly.

Once we do that, we will find Facebook wall within the Skype window, and if we look at the top we will see our “Phonebook “. This will be integrated with our contacts from Facebook.

As we know, Skype is a not only a program that able you to call, but also to purchase credit, and make calls to landline phones for a lower price. In our “Phonebook” will appear those contacts who have installed the 5.0 version of Skype or those who have registered their phone number on their Facebook profile. We will see then in green color those we can call and in black those we can also send SMS.

To sump up, Skype joins Windows Live Messenger 2011 in this feature that enables social networks to link together. Using Facebook as a platform, Skype is certainly looking to win popularity that in the end will allow capturing more users to use their services.

You can now download Windows Live Messenger 2011

A few weeks ago a new version of Windows Live Messenger has been release, showing lot of improvements in comparison with older versions. Perhaps the most important feature is the integration that Windows Live Messenger 2011 has with Facebook; this was anticipated earlier.

Now, from a unique interface we can access all the contacts we have in both social networks. This was solved easily; users that download Windows Live Messenger 2011 will realize that this integration is possible. From the application we will be able to see our “wall” from Facebook besides using the chat tool.

However, Windows Live Messenger 2011 is not only integrated with Facebook. In addition to this network, we have also available LinkedIn and MySpace. In other words, when you download the latest version of Messenger you will have a combo that will allow you to be in contact with all your friends.

Besides the integration with the social networks, the new version of Windows Live Messenger add new designs to its interface that had been already added to its complement in Plus! Version such as chatting by tab. In addition to this, the traditional emoticons have been redesigned, giving a new look to this new Messenger version.

Another new highlight feature, in addition to the mentioned before is that Windows Live Messenger 2011 lets you send video messages to your contacts even when they are offline. Those who are used to chat with their friends will appreciate the advantage of this new functionality.

Among the disadvantages that have been questioned in Windows Live Messenger 2011 by users is the inability to use nicknames. From now on, to change your nick you will also need to change the name under which you are registered. Without a doubt, a limitation that has been discussed by users and is expected to be revised by Microsoft. Finally, another point to consider is the restriction you will find to download Windows Live Messenger 2011. This is only supported by Windows Vista and Windows 7, leaving aside the most widely used version of Microsoft operating system: Windows XP.

How to add services to Trillian Astra, the ultimate multinetwork client

The new version of the best-known multinetwork messaging client brings new functions and support for extra platforms, and most important, a clear intention of simplifying its use. Let’s see how to add services like Twitter, Facebook, Windows Messenger MSN, etc. to our Trillian Astra.

Those who are taking their first steps in Trillian Astra will be aided by the excellent settings assistant by means of which they can add their accounts to combine the profiles of the several social networks in one single program. Or, if you have already used Trillian Astra and you want to add an account, like for instance your Facebook profile, this is what you need to do.

From Trillian Astra’s main interface you must access the option ‘Trillian’>> ‘Manage connections’ in the menu bar on the top. There you will see all the accounts associated to Trillian Astra up to now, but you can also add new connection using the button on the right bottom corner of the window. Another window will appear where you must indicate the service you want to add, such as Facebook in this case. Then fill in the fields ‘User name’, ‘E-mail address’ and ‘Password’ and click on ‘Connect’.

This is all you need to do to add a new service to Trillian Astra. In this way, you’ll be able to access it together with other services, like Twitter, Google Talk, ICQ, Windows Messenger MSN, all of them together in the same window.

Different options we can use to chat with our contacts from Facebook outside the browser

In the past few weeks, Microsoft has announced that Windows Live Messenger’s new version will support Facebook chat. This news has been received with enthusiasm by the fans of this social network. However, the service itself is not a novelty at all. There are client applications, like Digsby, Pidgin and Trillian Astra, just to name a few, that already do this.

One of the most common options when it comes to choosing an alternative messaging client is Digsby. A classic among social network enthusiasts, this application allows simultaneous access to Facebook, Live Messenger and Yahoo Messenger chat rooms, among others. In addition, we can change the settings of its interface so that it connects us to other e-mail accounts and even watch the updates of our contacts, friends and followers, depending on the social network. Though not very complete, its interface is very organized and it separates the different services clearly. Its only drawback may be that we must register in order to use its services, although they are free.

Another program with which we can chat in Facebook without using the browser is Pidgin . This multi protocol client app doesn’t offer any functions beyond messaging. This characteristic makes Pidgin simple than the rest of the programs of this kind. Its interface is extremely simple and functional, though it offers different theme options. An advantage of Pidgin over other programs is that it enables us to set different types of commands and notifications according to the contact. For beginners, the fact that Pidgin doesn’t include Facebook chat installed by default can be considered a negative aspect. However, the add-on that enables it gets installed automatically.

Finally, Trillian Astra is a desktop application with which we can not only connect to Facebook chat, but also numerous social networks and messaging services. In addition, we can see the news of our wall and the messages we receive by e-mail. Trillian Astra enables us to carry out statistical studies about our friends’ connection trends and a conversation history. On the other hand, it has a modern interface, it includes numerous skins for us to choose and it organizes the conversations in tabs within the same window. Undoubtedly, the looks is a strong point of this application, although at first it may seem chaotic because of all the information it provides. As Digsby, Trillian Astra requires that you register.

As we have seen in this brief description, there is already more than one program that can do what Windows Live Messenger’s next version will do: chat in Facebook from our desktop. If we focus on managing the contacts only for chat, we will probably choose Pidgin . However, if we want to have extra functionalities and we want to combine the different social networks we may choose Digsby or Trillian Astra.

Now Twitter suggests accounts that should follow

Every day, we find out about new features that the most popular social networks add to their functions. The latest one is Twitter’s user suggestion tool, like Facebook’s one.

Just like the social network that recently reached 500 million users did, Twitter now suggests users based on the people our followers follow. Thanks to this tool we can now find more users with whom we share interests, which is the basis over which this microblogging network works.

The new function, which is not available for all the users yet, can be accessed in Twitter’s “Search people” section. There, we will find a tab with the suggestions. One point against this tool is probably the fact that it cannot be deleted. The suggestions will be offered no matter what.

So, now we will not only find other users’ suggestions like the ones offered in Twitter with the #FF. The system itself will take care of providing possible account to start following. It will be a matter of how this functionality develops with time and how it is received by the users.

Facebook reached 500 million users

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and founder of Facebook, has announced that the social network reached the incredible number of 500 million users. The website, which was released in 2004 and which had begun as a Harvard University student community, had 400 million users just 6 months ago.

Within the framework of celebrations for this achievement, Facebook has decided to release an application for its users to tell stories about how the social network affected and changed their lives. The best stories registered in Facebook Stories will be published in the official blog of the website that is probable the best representative of Web 2.0.

The company founded by Mark Zuckerberg has therefore achieved a new record. In addition to the already mentioned 500 million users, theirs is going to be a movie release about Facebook in October 2010: “The Social Network”. A business model that keeps growing in an unthinkable way and whose shareholders have become millionaires.

Facebook has become successfully popular among users and now many of them are calculating when it will reach 600 million users. Imagine what would happen if China lifted the ban on the social network and Facebook’s users multiplied by millions in a few days.

Facebook and Twitter speed up the sending of data with BitTorrent

Nowadays, when many people have forgotten about its wonderful advantages and others have become part of the ill-intentioned discredit trend led by those who fight piracy, P2P technology gains predominance among leading companies worldwide. Facebook and Twitter are some of the companies that, using BitTorrent in particular, revived peer-to-peer in favor of their processes and achieved an increase of up to 750% in the file exchange speed between their servers.

Twitter’s engineers, led by Larry Gadea, are concentrated in Murder Project and have made huge time savings in data transfer rate between servers by means of torrent technology. According to Gadea, since they started using BitTorrent, exchange processes that used to take 40 minutes now take only “12 seconds”. This is a very important achievement, especially if we consider that in a company everything is measured according to its profitability.

But not only Twitter has revived P2P, which is known worldwide for the popularity that programs like µTorrent, Azureus, BitComet or BitTorrent itself achieved. Facebook also supports this business trend towards speeding up information exchange between servers. Systems engineer Tom Cook, the specialist spokesman of the company that has grown the most lately, stated that the company has been able to afford real problems with web servers since Facebook started using BitTorrent technology to transfer code to them.

Thanks to the new use given to this technology, which is far from that controversial use criticized by legislators and opponents of piracy, two giants have demystified any kind of campaign against torrents and BitTorrent technology, and have cleared the way for many more companies to choose this system. In addition, this may be a breath of fresh air that can make programs like µTorrent, Azureus, BitComet, BitTorrent, etc. be valued again, since they have lost popularity to new download managers such as JDownloader or VDownloader, among others.

Cooperative and commercial, P2P technology comes back to the competition, this time with the help of BitTorrent, and does battle with its main virtue: its ability to speed up the data transfer rate exponentially between servers (or PCs, in the case of using it at home) so as to save time and money, of course.