ICQ
ICQ is an instant messaging client and software that was first released in 1996. It became popular in the late 1990s as one of the first multi-platform instant messaging clients. Key features of ICQ include one-on-one and group text chats, voice and video calls, offline messaging
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ICQ: Instant Messaging Client with Multi-Platform Support
A popular instant messaging client first released in 1996, ICQ offers one-on-one and group chats, voice and video calls, offline messaging, and file transfers.
What is ICQ?
ICQ is an instant messaging client and software application first developed in 1996 by the Israeli company Mirabilis. The name ICQ derives from the English phrase "I seek you." It was one of the first stand-alone instant messenger clients for personal computers that had a significant user base.
In the late 1990s, ICQ became extremely popular, particularly among young internet users. Its multi-platform compatibility and feature set including offline messaging, file transfers, chat rooms, customization options, message history, and support for sending SMS from PC to mobile phone distinguished it from competing services at the time.
Key features of ICQ over its history have included one-on-one chat, group chats, the ability to see if contacts are online and exchange offline messages, audio and video calling, stickers and custom emoticons, bots, SMS messaging from PC client, file sending up to 2GB, message push notifications, user profile and search, third-party app integration, and secure encrypted messaging.
Over its more than 25 years of operation, ICQ has gone through several owners. It is currently owned by the Russian tech company Mail.Ru Group. It has clients available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and the web. As of 2022, it remains popular particularly in Russia and many Eastern European countries.
ICQ Features
Features
- Instant messaging
- Voice and video calls
- Group chats
- File transfers
- Offline messaging
Pricing
- Freemium
- Subscription-Based
Pros
Cross-platform availability
Easy to use interface
Large user base
Free basic version available
Cons
Limited features in free version
Privacy concerns
Ads in free version
Official Links
The Best ICQ Alternatives
Top Social & Communications and Instant Messaging and other similar apps like ICQ
Here are some alternatives to ICQ:
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