Microsoft has been given the go-ahead to buy Skype following approval from the powers that be in the US.

The Federal Trade Commission’s approval on Friday means that Microsoft can now buy Skype for the $8.5 billion it offered and get...

Microsoft's CEO, Steve Ballmer, today announced the next generation of Windows Live Messenger, known as Windows Live Messenger Wave 4 to us geeks. Various rumours and leaks have previously circulated the Internet in anticipation of the update.

Microsoft...

You might be familiar with Chatroulette, a website which has been making waves by allowing you to webcam chat with random strangers across the world. If you're not, and you're feeling brave, go and try it now at chatroulette.com.

Inspired by...

While we had some inkling this was coming, Facebook has now announced that Facebook Chat can be integrated into desktop instant messaging clients, another move towards taking the functionality of the social networking site away from the main site.

AOL appears to be testing the addition of Facebook Chat support to its instant messaging client. The company is offering preview builds that have the support in, but a full announcement hasn't happened yet.

While we wait for that, AOL Mail...

Gosh, remember ICQ? The stalwart of late 90s IM with its flowery icons and irritatingly-loud noises has just issued an update to its client - more than 13 years after it was first released - which adds a whole pile of new functionality.

That...

Nimbuzz has announced the launch of a new app for BlackBerry smartphones, said to be the first to run as a native application on the device, enabling users to connect with each other via their social networks.

The native functionality allows...

Windows Live Messenger is now available via the Nokia Messaging Chat application straight from compatible phone's homescreens.

This first instalment of Windows Live Messenger for Nokia Messaging includes tabbed chat windows, the ability...

Email extinction could be a reality in the next 10 years, says TalkTalk, proclaiming the younger generation has no need for such long-winded communication.

No doubt echoing similar studies from 10 years ago that predicted the absolute death...

Nimbuzz has announced that its instant messaging aggregation software is now available for Android handsets like the G1, HTC Magic, and HTC Hero. It has a number of features that are unique for Android users.

The app pushes homescreen notifications...

What's now known as Microsoft Windows Live Messenger is celebrating its 10th birthday today. Launched on this day back in 1999 as MSN Messenger Service, Microsoft boasts that within 60 days of the debut, an impressive 2.4 million people had sent their...

A Florida-based Cuban exile blogger called Luis Dominguez has managed to penetrate the tight security cordon around the Castro family by posing as a Columbian sports journalist.

Dominguez says that he used Antonio Castro's alleged weakness...

Do you want to be online with your mates on Facebook, but appear offline with your work colleagues?

You can now do that by using Facebook's "friend lists" to filter your connections in the social networking site's chat application.

Adium, the free instant messaging client for Mac OS X users, has announced it is working on Twitter support for its next update.

The program currently provides users with a one stop shop for all their communication needs, with the ability...

fring has announced the launch of a new version of its "social community and communication service" for the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic.

Particularly topical, considering the reported furore over the Nokia N97 getting the Skype VoIP app, the...