Yahoo Messenger is now Webware

Yahoo has launched a Web-based version of its instant messaging client, at webmessenger.yahoo.com (News.com story). It's a slick Flash-based app, and it's a comfortable messaging environment for people used to the downloadable app. The Web version doesn't give you access to all the bells and whistles of the app, such as access to the plug-ins and integrated voice chat, but it handles the basics well enough.

Like Google and AOL's Web-based instant messaging services, the big advantage is that Web-based chat apps don't require a download, so you can chat on locked-down corporate machines or on a computer you're renting from a kiosk or borrowing from a friend.

Yahoo's online Messenger is a solid and easy-to-use chat client.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

The Yahoo Web app has a history feature, and a search function on top of it, so you can find chat contents from previous discussions. However, it only archives chats from within the browser app, so if you switch between the downloaded app at home and the browser chat elsewhere, your history will be incomplete.

Although it's very simple to use and has an attractive interface, the online version of Messenger is not as flexible as the multi-IM Web app Meebo. Unless all your online buddies are on the Yahoo network and Microsoft's IM network, which Yahoo also supports, it's hard to recommend Yahoo's more limited offering. If you have a friend or two on Google or AOL, Meebo is what you really need.

I like this app well enough, but what I'm really waiting for is the global rollout of the integrated e-mail/chat app Yahoo promised us back in November.

[doughboy_10466]

Great for chating at school!

Now I can chat at school! I'm in college and the internet is very locked down. We have a http block or something, which means that I can't use chat apps even on MY OWN COMPUTER!!! This is great because most of my chat buddies are on Yahoo. Mebo does sounds pretty cool though...

[myth90045]

Great for work

This is also great for work, where you are not allowed to d/l and install any type of program without admin rights. tried it this morning and it worked well. Im glad that yahoo followed in google's footsteps since I have more contacts in yahoo than on google!

[rsegoly]

Yahoo messenger is it the best or just following

I used Yahoo messenger for many years, it was the best in market, but I started hating it as it became intrusive, too many ads, and whenever they upgraded the tool, the installation process (unless you are really careful) will add more tools like Yahoo toolbar and even change my browser configuration.
I use Meebo now, its Web based, it gives me access to all messengers (also Yahoo), its cool and solid, and it does what Yahoo is doing only now, and without the flashy ads.
It enable simple way to run, even if the work/school blocks the access, and gives you more than 'just Yahoo'
Enjoy .

[xxdesmusxx]

Meebo still owns this

Meebo still owns this simply in terms of flexibility. Most people these days have friends spread across more than one IM network. Meebo is simple to use and works very well at doing what it is supposed to.

[Fil0403]

In dreams.

Most people these days have friends spread across more than one IM network? Just because that is your case it doesn't mean it's the normal case. Everyone I know, for instance, uses the superior Windows Live Messeger, which is already compatible with Yahoo! Messenger contacts.

[Fil0403]

If it would be Microsoft

MSN / Windows Live Messenger has this for years. If it would be the other way around, this TalkBack section would be full of people bashing Microsoft. It just goes to show the hypocrisy of people.