The new ICQ is a Russian instant messaging app which is capable of VoIP (voice-over-IP) and the traditional chat function.
ICQ is an instant messaging program which existed long before any of the most popular and well-known programs we are familiar with today. Surprisingly, it still has a small following.
ICQ still works as it did in the past, but AOL has made some not-so-popular changes to the system such as adding ads and other rubbish to its interface and its installer, depending on which country you're located it. AOL sold the program to Mail.ru several years ago.
Unlike Facebook, Windows Live Messenger, Skype and AIM, ICQ users are supposed to identify themselves with an "ICQ Number". This is the primary way of finding and adding friends, but unlike years past, is not the only way of locating somebody.
The current iteration of ICQ supports custom statuses, feeds from friends and integration with competing social networks like Twitter and Facebook. Unfortunately, ICQ is not very good at importing friends from other social networks.
Some of the good things about ICQ is its ability to send files, its gaming service and the possibility to log in to the network with its web messenger. It is also able to send offline messages and provides other various features. Unfortunately, the the ICQ service is also prone to downtime like it was in the 90s.
It really is a blast from the past, but ICQ has essentially been beaten to death by AOL and unsuccessfully revived by a Russian company.
Features of ICQ
- Integrates with Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube.
- Animated Stickers: Send and receive animated stickers to express yourself.
- Channels: Join channels to stay up to date on topics you’re interested in.
- Chat Bots: Chat with AI bots to get the latest news, play games and more.
- Custom Themes: Personalize your ICQ with custom themes.
- File Sharing: Share files of any type up to 2 GB quickly and easily.
- Group Chat: Create group chat rooms with up to 200 people and group video calls up to 50 members.
- Location Sharing: Share your location with friends, family and colleagues.
- Messaging: Send free messages, photos, videos and emoticons to your friends.
- Personal Status: Set custom statuses to let your friends know what you’re up to.
- Remote Desktop: Remotely access your friends' and colleagues' devices.
- Screen Sharing: Share your screen with family, friends and colleagues.
- Video Calls: Make crystal-clear video and audio calls to friends and family for free.
- Video Conferences: Hold online video conferences with up to 200 participants.
- Voice Chat: Have voice conversations with your contacts.
- Voice Messages: Record and send voice messages to stay in touch.
Compatibility and License
ICQ is provided under a freeware license on Windows from instant messaging software with no restrictions on usage. Download and installation of this PC software is free and 23.2.0.48119 is the latest version last time we checked.
What version of Windows can ICQ run on?
ICQ can be used on a computer running Windows 11 or Windows 10. Previous versions of the OS shouldn't be a problem with Windows 8 and Windows 7 having been tested. It comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit downloads.
Other operating systems: The latest ICQ version from 2024 is also available for Mac.
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