imo.im Launches Skype Support, Voice & Video Capability On All Networks

imo.im Launches Skype Support, Voice & Video Capability On All Networks

imo.im is a free online service co-founded by ex-Googler Georges Harik (co-developer of Google’s AdSense technology) that aims to make online communication more intuitive and accessible. It couples voice, video, and text chat capabilities with the most popular instant messaging protocols. Currently in alpha stage development, the startup has released an update that introduces major new features and makes imo.im one of the only multi-protocol instant messaging services to offer Skype support.

In addition to Skype, MySpace Chat support has been added in the latest release. Voice and Video capabilities are now also functional on all supported networks – AIM, GTalk, ICQ, Jabber, MSN, MySpace, Skype, and Yahoo. No download or registration is required to use the service, and multiple accounts on different instant messaging networks can be linked together to one sign-in.

Language support has been expanded as well, through imo’s user-driven translation program launched in April 2008. With this system, imo now offers language support for Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Italian, Macedonian, French, Turkish, and more.

Finally, eight new features have been added giving users the ability to:

• Star favorite buddies for easy reference
• Upload and view buddy icons
• Search for offline as well as online buddies
• Change how a buddy’s display name appears in the contacts list
• Move buddies between groups
• Block and unblock buddies
• Set yourself as invisible upon login
• Voice and video chat with anyone