Available instant messaging clients

Am looking for an all-round Messenger for Ubuntu, especially one that supports Webcam, Voice Chat, Microphone, Drag/Drop support, File sending and other normal operations a messenger should have. I have tried Amsn, Kmess, Emesene, Pidgin and I am currently using Emesene. What messenger client would you recommend and what features do they offer in terms of:

  • Webcam
  • Voice Chat
  • Drag & Drop Support
  • File Upload/Download
  • Emoticons
  • Skin Theme
  • Ubuntu Notification Compatibility
  • Compatibility With other Messengers
  • Updated Messenger (There are many that their last update was when Star Trek 1 came out)
  • Compatibility with Email services (Sites like Yahoo, Hotmail or Google and their services like Google talk)
  • Any other you can think of.

What (unique?) features does your messenger client offer?

NOTE - I have posted some messengers from a little over 2 years of experience with each (I normally install several messengers) to help anybody that wants to try any of them.


Pidgin

Webcam Support - Yes
MSN Full Support - Yes
GTalk Full Support - Yes
Voice Chat - Yes
Protocols Supported - Multiple (GTalk, Msn, Yahoo...)
Send Files - Yes
Receive Files - Yes
Emoticons - Yes
Theme/Skin - Yes
Language Support - Yes
Drag & Drop Support - Yes
Ubuntu Notification Support - Yes
Last Updated (Since this Post) - Version 2.7.11 - March 11, 2011
Found in Ubuntu Repository - Yes (Version 1:2.7.11-1ubuntu2)
Now Playing Support - Yes (With several players like Banshee)
Plugins - Yes
PRO - Very compatible.
CON - Very simple/"old like" to the eye.

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Empathy

Webcam Support - Yes
MSN Full Support - Yes (No Webcam, Voice Chat)
GTalk Full Support - Yes (Including Voice Chat, Video Chat to Cellular phones)
Voice Chat - Yes
Protocols Supported - Multiple (GTalk, Msn, Yahoo...)
Send Files - Yes
Receive Files - Yes
Emoticons - Yes
Theme/Skin - Yes (Only Chat)
Language Support - Yes
Drag & Drop Support - Yes
Ubuntu Notification Support - Yes
Last Updated (Since this Post) - Version 3.0.0 - April 4, 2011
Found in Ubuntu Repository - Yes (Version 2.34.0-0ubuntu3)
Now Playing Support - Yes (With extensions)
Plugins - No
PRO - Very compatible. Easy to use. Remote Desktop Shared
CON - No Plugin List, No custom theme.

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Emesene

Webcam Support - Yes
MSN Full Support - Yes
GTalk Full Support - No
Voice Chat - No
Protocols Supported - MSN Protocol Only (With Plugins GTalk,Facebook can be used)
Send Files - Yes
Receive Files - Yes
Emoticons - Yes
Theme/Skin - Yes
Language Support - Yes
Drag & Drop Support - Yes
Ubuntu Notification Support - Yes
Last Updated (Since this Post) - Version 2.11.5 - May 30, 2011
Found in Ubuntu Repository - Yes (Version 2.11.4+dfsg-0ubuntu1)
Now Playing Support - Not Yet
Plugins - Yes
PRO - MSN Live Messenger Style, Easy to use/setup, Friendly
CON - No Full Video/Audio Support for all protocols

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Qnext


Qnext is an multi-protocol Instant Messengers for Windows, Mac, Linux and Mobile. Qnext lets people connect to their digital content when they have access to the internet.


Qnext

All clients are freeware.

  • Desktop Client available for Mac, Windows and Linux computers.
  • An iPhone , iPod touch and iPad Application that can be downloaded from the Apple store.
  • A Mobile Web version and can be used with an WebKit based browser.

Qnext services run in a multi-tasking mode, which allows users to carry multiple tasks at the same time, such as talking to a group using video, transfer files, download files, view content, share content, carry IM conversation with others and more.

Qnext Desktop (PC) Client Features

  • Multi-protocol (universal) Instant Messaging for Facebook, MySpace, Windows Live Messenger (MSN), ICQ, AOL , Yahoo! Messenger, Google Talk, Jabber (XMPP) and iChat sends and receives IM messages and keeps users truly connected to everyone from a single contact list.
  • Qnext File transfer is a fast and secured way to get a file or folder of any size to any Qnext user and puts an end to using FTP or sending CD’s via courier or dealing with email attachment limitations. Just drag and drop any file or folder of any size on anyone on your contact list, and you’re done. The recipient will receive a message to allow the transfer and the content will be transferred. Files are sent using SSL encryption via peer to peer (P2P) connection directly to the recipient computer.
  • Voice chat (Audio conferencing) is multi-user voice conferencing (up to eight people at once). Qnext uses direct P2P routing to find the best available network connection; the quality of the user’s online "telephone" call is high. Mac, Windows, and Linux users can all jump on a Video or Voice call togethe
  • Video conferencing is a multi-user Video Chat (up to four people at once). This is where individuals or groups from around the world can meet face to face in real time, to interact for as long as they want, without any costs. Initiating a video conference is straightforward and easy. Qnext automatically detects video & sound devices.
  • Photo sharing is a way to share photos with anyone in seconds, even if the recipients don’t have Qnext.
  • File sharing is a great way to get those huge files where they need to go fast.
  • Streaming media (Music) allows to listen to your entire music library and iTunes or Media Player playlists from anywhere in the world.

Qnext for Linux

  • How to Install
  • Download Qnext
  • Decompress the downloaded archive and launch the application

     tar -xf qnextsetup.tgz 
     cd qnext
     ./qnext!
    

Wizard

Protocols Used

Main Window

Conversation Window

Source: http://www.qnext.com/ & http://en.wikipedia.com/


Amsn

Webcam Support - Not Yet (Until Version 0.99)
MSN Full Support - Not Yet (Until Version 0.99)
GTalk Full Support - No
Voice Chat - Not Yet (Until Version 0.99)
Protocols Supported - MSN Protocol Only
Send Files - Yes (Sometimes slow to start)
Receive Files - Yes (Sometimes slow to start)
Emoticons - Yes
Theme/Skin - Yes
Language Support - Yes
Drag & Drop Support - Not Yet (Until Version 0.99)
Ubuntu Notification Support - No (It shows its own Notification Window)
Last Updated (Since this Post) - Version 0.98 - December 8, 2010
Found in Ubuntu Repository - Yes (Version 0.98.4-0ubuntu1)
Now Playing Support - Yes (With several players like Banshee)
Plugins - Yes
PRO - Easy to use/setup, Many options for connection, contacts
CON - Slow

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