ICQ’s push-to-talk feature functions much like PC-based walkie-talkies to enable shorter conversations. The system is always on, and users simply ping each other to initiation a session but must take turns talking.
The PC-to-PC voice chat feature uses VoIP technology with a persistent connection to enable longer conversations. The feature works like a phone call, where both parties can talk at the same time.
ICQ 5 users also can now launch video sessions directly from message windows or contact lists, without having to go through additional steps as in the past, and makes it possible to capture images from the transmission.
Chamath Palihapitiya, vice president and general manager if ICQ, said the new voice and video features are part of AOL’s effort to move ICQ beyond simple text messaging.
“If you’re going to live up to the potential to be a great communications platform, you have to do other things beyond IM,” Palihapitiya said.
Other new features include the ability to instant message several recipients at once, rather than having to send each a separate message; a spim features that make it easier for users to turn away attempts from unknown users to send unwanted messages; new skins that let users personalize the ICQ interface; and audio emoticons to spice up the system’s new voice features.
