Trillian Astra Released

The (long awaited) update to revision 3 of Trillian, called Astra, has been released. It is an evolutionary product that adds things like Facebook and Twitter connection, to the already full stable of IM connectivity of version 3.

from Tech Connect

Following more than 3 years of development, Cerulean Studios’ multi-network instant messaging app Trillian Astra has been finished and is now available in both free and commercial ‘flavors’. The IM program offer support for the Yahoo, Windows Live, Google Talk, AIM, ICQ, Jabber/XMPP and Astra networks and also works with Twitter, Skype, Facebook and others, enables text and video chat, includes 23 language packs, and a whole lot more.

The free version of Trillian Astra for Windows can be found here, while the ‘Pro’ release, which costs $25, or $10 for upgrading customers is waiting here. Also, Trillian Astra for the iPhone is close to being finished and should be submitted to the App Store very soon.

According to Cerulean Studios, the first major update (4.1) for Astra is already in the works, and will bring “an exciting batch of new features.”

The install goes easily, and for new users (I acted like one, for the purposes of this article) gives a chance to add in all of the connectivity options that are wanted. I chose GoogleTalk, ICQ, AOL IM, Windows Live Messenger, and yes, I’ll admit it (but only for the purposes of this test) Twitter. Plus, I added a couple of POP3 mail accounts so as to be notified of deliveries.

Everything has been working swimmingly, and I think one of the nicest features is the intranet messaging that this version adds. I haven’t gotten this installed in my son’s room, but I await being able to pop up a message when he is not answering as I call from the living room. I can also see this as very handy for the small (25-30 seat) business.

The new interface mimics a remote control, which I am not fond of, but it is possible to revert to other looks and color schemes, which is nice.

The only thing I have yet to see, is what becomes disabled when the trial ends, in 30 days. It is something the people at Cerulean obviously don’t want you to find out easily, as both the help file, and the website are not clear. I will probably be moving to this, as the latest revision of Windows Live Messenger is acting up on my laptop, refusing to log in at boot, no matter what I do.

All things considered, this is a great program for those who must be ‘dialed in’ at all times. With many things right, and nothing easily found to be wrong.

Oh, and the host of new features promised in the next version – I wouldn’t believe it, they’re already here, save for drawing baths and making toast. Also, too much bloat will turn people away, so caution would be a good thing when architecting new features. Perhaps if it gets coded in assembler.

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