We've had a few homebrewed messaging and chat applications for the DS, but it doesn't hurt to add more options in case we need to connect with people who use other chat clients. One such option is atomsoft's AtYa.nds, a homebrewed Yahoo Messenger application for the DS. More details in the full article.

Still having trouble connecting with Danzel's universal IM client for the Sony PlayStation Portable, AFKIM? Then have no fear, as homebrew developer Zx-81 has just rolled out yet another version that should hopefully fix whatever bugs are still getting in the way of your Instant Messaging experience. Check out all the details in the full article.

Download: AFKIM v3.3.3
Visit: Zx-81's Homebrew Releases at the QJ.NET Forums

 

Andronix of PlayThree.net, ponders if PlayStation owners should feel green - an Xbox 360 shade of green to be specific - that the Xbox 360 is set to integrate further with Windows via the Xbox LIVE MSN Messenger feature. Andronix notes that Sony might want to look towards Yahoo Messenger, which already has inter-connectivity with MSN Messenger and Xfire.

Anyhow, since July 12, 2006, both Microsoft and Yahoo have allowed limited inter-connectivity between their messaging services. For now it's pure speculation on Andronix's part, but he sees a possible connection between the PS3 and the Xbox 360 via Yahoo. That is, IF Microsoft chooses not to block it and Sony does attempt to use Yahoo, or at least allow Yahoo to work with the PS3.

Xfire by the way, has already been assessed by Sony for use with the PS3. Will they allow Yahoo Messenger too? Hmmm...

Speculation aside, Sony is already working on their own messaging system, that's set to promote their much touted Game 3.0 philosophy.

Voice changing software are fun to use sometimes, especially since the person you're talking doesn't see you. If the person you're talking to is also using a voice changer is beside the point.

Screaming Bee LLC has announced that its free voice changing software, MorphVOX Junior works with Microsoft Vista. It's a free Windows tool that morphs voices into a setting of choice. MorphVOX Junior features three fixed voices (man, woman, tiny people), four sound effects, easy to use controls, "enabled to broadcast" sound effects, and works well with Vista. There's also a built in Voice Doctor that analyzes the input speech and adjusts the output.

Gamers would find the push to talk function and key mapping very useful as it is relatively easy to use. Additional sound effects, voices, and after effects can be added by upgrading to MorphVOX Classic (US .95) or Pro (US .95). The latest version of Junior also has improved sound quality and allows for easy control over a microphone and recording source.

This software can be used both for chat programs like Xfire, TeamSpeak, Skype, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, AOL Messenger, Roger Wilco and Ventrilo, and online games like World of Warcraft, EVE Online, EverQuest 2, Guild Wars, and Counter Strike.

So how about changing your foxy female Blood Elf voice into a guy's?

  

Qaz released a new messenger portal for people to use. It's called the Pro-Messenger, now on version 1.3, and if it looks like it's got a lot to offer.

It's got 10 games, 12 themes, a User Name Change function, a Display Picture Change function, and a host of useful links. Best of all, it'll allow you to send messages to Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, and AIM.

The developer mentions that his app isn't strictly homebrew, so you shouldn't be worried about bricking your PSP with this app, though there's a decided lack of an actual readme with the file. Feel free to visit our forums for directions though, as it seems the developer is willing to answer questions.

One thing we've noticed though is how this application looks similar to the Windows Live PSP Messenger Portal. We did a bit of digging, and found out that while they are similar, this isn't a copy of the said application. As one of Qaz's mates from PspWxp on the PlayStation forums notes:

...yeah, I thought the same thing. Before he made this, I talked to lil_naruto and asked him for permission to include it into pspWxp and the upcoming Encore. We could include it, but Qaz decided to make his own and I don't think he saw lil_naruto's Live Messenger. He coded it himself I believe. It's a bit different, feature wise, but in the end they all do the same thing.

Download: [Pro-Messenger v1.3]
Discuss: [Forum Release Thread]

Ever wanted to call your mom but were too busy cutting down zombies to pieces? Want to order pizza but you're chatting with a hottie? Worry no more. Logitech developed a keyboard, headset, mouse, and microphone set-up, the Logitech EasyCall Desktop, that will allow you to make calls without ever getting off your PC Station.

The European version of the keyboard will include buttons for Skype-launching, making and ending calls, and speed dialing. The speakerphone eliminates echo and has buttons that can also start and end calls. The US version will be optimized for Yahoo Messenger with Voice. Hopefully, Skype will get in on the action - stateside - as well.

All products will be available before the end of the year. For now, let's place a call in that old-fashioned way - voice dialing.

Sony is set to release a wireless, handheld device mostly aimed at younger people who use instant messaging, named Mylo (which stands for 'My Life Online'). The pocket-sized gadget features a slide-up 2.4-inch screen with a QWERTY keyboard underneath, VOIP capabilities via Skype, web access (to browse the internet and send emails), media playback capabilities (including music, photos and videos), 1GB flash, and a memory slot. This device will only be available in the United States. The instant messaging feature will use Yahoo Messenger and Google Talk.

Mylo will be available in black or white, does not require computer setup or a monthly service contract, hence it cannot be used for mobile telephone calls. "The mylo personal communicator puts the fun parts of a computer in the palm of your hand", explains director of product marketing and personal communication devices at Sony Electronics. "It's ideal for people who want to stay connected to their online friends and family, but not be weighed down by a PC or buffeted by charges for IM and texting on cell phones."

Mylo will be available in September 2006 and will retail for US$350.

Adium X is a free instant messaging application for Mac OS X that allows user to connect to AIM, MSN, Yahoo Messenger and lot more chat applications. Adium X was voted on of the top ten freeware for the Mac OS! But almost as popular as the application itself is the duck that represents it. Originally apple green, the Adium Duck now comes in a variety of colors. Now that the Adium Duck is starting to bloom into a beautiful pop icon, we felt this is a good time to tell you the true story behind the little green duck.

The duck hatched from Adam Iser's (the author of Adium X) imagination. And he wasn't green then. In fact, he wasn't that cute! The Adium Duck was kinda like an ugly blue duckling. Yes, that's him above. The one that looks like a wooden decoy duck choking on a snail. Thank goodness Iser is better at making applications than drawing icons.

Anyway, Adam Betts gave the blue duck a drastic make-over. "I loved the posture and felt that I can give it a much needed soul and feathers. I don’t remember exactl y how Adam Iser reacted, but I do remember that he disliked it at first but it grew on him later." Yeah, what is it about this duck that makes you stare at it longingly..filled with animal passion...or is it just us?

According to Betts the key element of the duck is his eyes which seem to say “Why me worry?” The duck's job is to transport your messages to your friends/families, he wants none of your attention. Awwww...but we have so much love and care to give him!

But those come hither eyes are now proving a challenge for Betts. It seems the duck is due for an update to keep up with the new Apple app icon family. Bett tried to turn him into photorealistic graphic but says that "destroyed that message by being in your face with a three-dimensional head. The original Adium soul you know and love would not exist anymore. Another thing that did not work is real feathers."

Betts also took the OS X icon route (documents lying on desk, speech bubble, etc.) but he thinks those icons are beneath the duck. After trying out several ideas, Bett had a lightbulb moment: "Why should I change something that had a strong hand in developing the strong Adium community?" And what about us Adium Duck fans who spend hours customizing our duck with costumes instead of doing things like making this world a better place?

Have no fear, Quack Patrol! The shape of refreshed Adium icon will be nearly identical to current one so there won’t be much changes needed!

Adium X is a free instant messaging application for Mac OS X that allows user to connect to AIM, MSN, Jabber (including Google Talk), Yahoo Messenger, Bonjour (compatible with iChat), Gadu-Gadu, Novell Groupwise and Lotus Sametime. If you think that's a lot of chattime, this freeware is also available in Brazilian, Portuguese, Canadian English, Australian English, Catalan, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Polish, Russian, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Spanish and Swedish! No wonder Adium X was voted on of the top ten freeware for the Mac OS!

Anyways, the good people behind Adium X has updated it to v.1.0b3 and its changelog includes:

• Fixed a crash when closing message windows
• Fixed connecting to AIM on non-default port settings
• Fixed MSN HTTP connect method
• Fixed a rare crash involving invalid idle times
• Fixed a crash when connecting with a SOCKS4 proxy over AIM
• Fixed a crash when connecting to gadu-gadu
• Fixed the Run Applescript action (#4456)
• Fixed a crash in the log viewer on OS X 10.3

However, this is still a beta and things may not always work properly. But if you still want to go give it a try you can download it right here at QJ. Adium X requires Mac OS X 10.2.7 ("Jaguar") or later; Mac OS X 10.4 ("Tiger") or Mac OS X 10.3.9 ("Panther") is recommended. Adium X 0.88 and later are Universal applications which run natively on both PowerPC- and Intel-based Macintosh computers.

Download [Adium X v1.0b3]