There’s an article on how Google could overthrow AIM/ICQ (link removed; apple-x.net now seems to be occupied by domain squatters), and perhaps even MSN Messenger, from their dominant positions in the instant messenger market, and improve internet standards usage and accessibility, by releasing their own instant messenger tool powered by the (wonderful) Jabber protocol. It’s a lovely idea, but (sadly) not one which is likely to happen.
On similarly geeky news, there’s a new web site, BrowseHappy, which aims to help everyday users make the switch away from Internet Explorer to safer, simpler, faster, better browsers. If you’re still using IE, take a look. If you’re already enlightened, show it to your unenlightened friends. It’s a very approachable site in nice, easy language.
And finally, there’s apparently a new worm doing the rounds, “Peeping Tom”, which, upon infection, turns on the victim’s webcam and microphone, and begins broadcasting to the world. What a lovely idea for a novelty virus.
Thanks for listening
I just found this whilst Googling for your rant about MSN.
Isn’t hindsight hilarious? :)
Indeed it is.
But still; who could have predicted how messengers would be used today? Most people use instant messengers mostly or exclusively mobile, often tied to a mobile number (e.g. WhatsApp, Signal, etc.), and video/voice messaging and text messaging have become highly intertwined (two media that, as Skype rose to prominence over FreeTel we might never have expected!).
And then of course 2020 happened and suddenly Zoom became a household name.