Software
We've compiled a list of 83 free and paid alternatives to AIM. The primary competitors include Skype, Pidgin. In addition to these, users also draw comparisons between AIM and Telegram, Hangouts, WhatsApp Messenger. Also you can look at other similar options here: Social Software.
We've compiled a list of 83 free and paid alternatives to AIM. The primary competitors include Skype, Pidgin. In addition to these, users also draw comparisons between AIM and Telegram, Hangouts, WhatsApp Messenger. Also you can look at other similar options here: Social Software.
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Pidgin is an easy to use, multi-protocol chat client client used by millions.
1298
Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security. It’s superfast, simple and free.
973
699
WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages...
629
All-in-one voice, video and text chat for gamers that’s free, secure, and works on both your...
477
334
Adium is a free and open source instant messaging application for Mac OS X, written using Mac OS Xs...
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282
Trillian is an instant messaging app that works on phones, tablets, and desktops while keeping your...
19
AOL Instant Messenger is an instant messaging and presence computer program which uses the...
AOL Instant Messenger is an instant messaging and presence computer program which uses the...
Windows
Web-Based
iPad
Mac
Android
iPhone
AOL Instant Messenger is an instant messaging and presence computer program which uses the proprietary OSCAR instant messaging protocol and the TOC protocol to allow registered users to communicate in real time.HistoryAOL Instant Messenger was released by America Online (AOL) in May 1997. Stand-alone official AIM client software includes advertisements and is available for Microsoft Windows, Windows Mobile, Mac OS, Mac OS X, Android, iOS, BlackBerry OS. The software, maintained by AOL, Inc., at one time had the largest share of the instant messaging market in North America, especially in the United States (with 52% of the total reported as of 2006). This does not include other instant messaging software related to or developed by AOL, such as ICQ and iChat.DownfallAs of June 2011, one reported market share had collapsed to 0.73%. However, this number only reflects installed IM applications, and not active users.ProtocolThe standard protocol that AIM clients use to communicate is called Open System for CommunicAtion in Realtime (OSCAR). Most AOL-produced versions of AIM and popular third party AIM clients use this protocol. However, AOL also created a simpler protocol called TOC that lacks many of OSCAR's features but is sometimes used for clients that only require basic chat functionality. The TOC/TOC2 protocol specifications were made available by AOL, while OSCAR is a closed protocol that third parties have had to reverse-engineer.
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