QQ Messenger

Popular programs in Instant Messaging

What is QQ Messenger

QQ Messenger is an instant messaging client that may not have caught on just yet in the United States, but it's the most popular option for instant messaging in China. With millions of registered users, this program must be doing something right to draw in so many fans.

At first glance, QQ Messenger seems very similar to the typical IM option. It has video and voice chat options, smileys, photo and file sharing, and easy-to-organize contacts lists. The group chat options in particular are excellent, so you can chat with several friends at once.

There are endless customization options, from your message font to your personal avatar to the client's interface skin. You can also easily share a screen shot or record a video clip to share instantly, much like SnapChat. The MyApps feature is where a lot of this customization comes from, as you can search a seemingly endless selection of applications to let you communicate in new fun ways. You can also play games and watch videos on some of these apps.

Another feature you won't find on any other IM clients besides QQ Messenger is the Remote Assistant tool. With this, you and your contacts can grant access to each other's desktops. This makes it an ideal communication tool for tech support departments, as well as allowing friends to help each other out with computer issues. If a senior citizen has a QQ Messenger account set up, they can message their tech-savvy grandkids any time they have a question, grant them desktop access and watch as they walk them through all the necessary steps.

Though this was initially used almost exclusively in China, there is also an international version for use outside of the country. You can choose from several different languages including English, French, Korean and Japanese, and the translations for this version are well done. Not only does it translate the interface so you can browse the apps and choose your font in your own language, but later versions also allow for translation of the chat dialogue itself. This makes it easier than ever to chat with users from other countries.

There have been some concerns about security and safety issues with the program. There is no data encryption, but that is true of most IM programs. The client also has occasional issues with uninstalling correctly, and some overly protective anti-spyware programs may flag it when you try to install it the first time. However, there have been no major security breaches with this software, and it is safe to install and use for chatting with friends all over the world.

Pros:

• Almost no ads
• Remote Assistance tool makes it easy to troubleshoot computer issues
• MyApps store lets you customize your communication and play games
• Instant chat translation for talking to speakers of other languages

Cons:

• Downloadable skins from Internet don't always work as planned
• Contacts are identified by non-user-friendly numbers rather than usernames
• No available data encryption
• Uninstall issues