EQO - Crack for IM Addicts
I like to be “connected”. I sleep with my mobile and my laptop on my nightstand. But when I leave my computer, I must rely on my mobile to stay in touch. I have no problem keeping up with my RSS feeds, stocks, news and email (yes Google owns me…) but IM has always been a challenge. The built in IM client on my phone supports AIM, ICQ and Yahoo! and it also sucks. However this leaves Jabber (Google Talk), Live Messneger (MSN) and Skype on the sidelines. Also, I cannot sign on to both of my AIM screennames at once with the integrated client. I need Trillian on my phone!
EQO is like Trillian for your phone. I discovered EQO a couple months back but I didn’t have a chance to test it on a non-T-Mobile-crippled handset. Now I have. EQO supports mobile IM with AIM, Live, Yahoo!, Jabber, Google Talk, ICQ and Skype. It allows you to sign on with multiple screennames, like Trillian. It also supports VoIP connections if your PC is running with Skype and the EQO Skype plugin. You can even install an EQO widget on your online profile (MySpace, Friendster, Hi5, Xanga and Tagworld) so your visitors to your page can IM you whenever. Okay, maybe that is not such a good idea. EQO even threw in their own little mobile social network so you can message all your EQO friends with text, photos or just where you are and what is going on around you (A toned down version of Dodgeball or Loopt).
Wow, that’s a lot of features! I tested EQO on the trusty Nokia E61. After creating an account and picking my phone, I received the install text message and was up and running. EQO allows you to create a very simple profile so your EQO friends can see what you are up to. But what I really care about is the mobile IM. I was able to quickly login to AIM, Google Talk, MSN and Yahoo!. EQO works really well for mobile IM. It definitely beats the built-in clients I’ve tried. I didn’t get a chance to test the Skype VoIP forwarding but I’ve used the same feature with SoonR. Just pick who you want to call on your Skype buddylist (from within the EQO client) then both your phone and their phone will ring, just like Jajah.
The last feature of EQO that I would have liked to try (Assuming I were to have EQO friends) is messaging to other EQO users. Suppose I am at Medjool and there is a really good DJ, I can let all my EQO friends know just by changing my public profile. Pretty slick!
Overall, EQO rocks because 1) It integrates all your IM applications on your handheld and 2) Unlike your phone’s IM app, EQO DOES NOT use up all your text messages! If you are an IM addict, EQO is your crack. Enjoy:)