Ever since I found out that Windows Live Messenger messed with my contacts, I decided not to use the program anymore. Sure I liked how the latest version of mobile Live Messenger worked and all but there was a reason for me setting up the device as such. Looking through the other instant messaging (IM) options available out there, I came across Mundu IM which showed a lot of promise in replacing Windows Live Messenger. Does it live up to its potential or fall like the a lot of the IMs out there?

Introduction

When I first went to Mundu IM’s site, I could not find the latest version numbers easily. The only way to do so was to fill up a short form requiring my name and email before I was directed to a page showing the different version for the various platforms. I am not sure why Mundu IM would do this instead of just showing the latest version on the homepage of their site because it does make it troublesome for a user or buyer to find the latest version available. Thankfully their software has a feature that allows you to check for upgrade from your Pocket PC.

Currently at v4.0.231w (build 11043), Mundu IM can be purchased for $11.00 for lifetime use. This means that you can use all builds of v4 for as long as you want. There would be no additional airtime or usage charges (unlike some IM services out there). This would definitely be a welcome to those who had to put up with those usage charges. However, if Mundu IM comes up with v5 or something even higher, then v4 users would have to pay for that new version. If you do change your device and would like to move your license to the new device, then Mundu IM offers a migration feature for you to do so. If you are still not convinced of spending $11.00 for Mundu IM, they have a no-limit trial of the software where you can test run it for 5 days.

Multiple Services, One Software

The biggest feature I like about Mundu IM is the fact that you can go on multiple IM servers at one time and chat with your friends on different networks. Currently Mundu IM supports MSN, Yahoo, GTalk, AOL, Jabber and ICQ. As I only have accounts with 3 of these services, I tried to log into all 3 at the same time and it worked. I suppose there should not be any problem as well if you tried to log into all 6 servers at the same time.

Contact Management

Contacts sorted by group	Contacts sorted by IM services

With so many servers at hand, managing your contacts can be a a difficult task. To make it easier, you have the option of showing only online contacts, but that too might not prove enough. If that is the case, you could sort your contacts according to Groups or IM Services. Group sorts your contacts according to groups, regardless of IM services, so you would have to set this up beforehand if you were to find it useful. Otherwise, you could also sort them according to IM services and if you have groups within those services, it will show up as well. Depending on you have set up your different services, I am sure there is an option out there that would suit you.

Cross Conference

Another great feature is what Mundu IM calls Cross Conference. This basically allows you to have a conference with any of your contacts from any service. So if you wanted to initiate conference with a friend from MSN with another GTalk and one from AOL, just set up the conference, add their names, and you are good to go. This will definitely be useful for discussions across platforms and you no longer have to play middleman or messenger.

Send Files To Friends

Mundu IM does this a little differently. Instead of sending files directly to your contact, the file gets uploaded to their servers where your contact will then be sent a link to download the file. One drawback to this is the slow upload of the file (and I am not sure if this was because of my device/connection) and that your contact would not be able to get the file as fast. An advantage however is that if you are sending the same file to multiple users, it would be much faster because the file only needs to be uploaded once.

Extensive Customization

If you are a user who likes to customize your IM a lot, then Mundu IM is definitely a software you should try. Bold, italicize and underline your text where desired. But don’t just stop there, change the color of the text, its font and even the size to suit your style. And if words are not enough, send emoticons because Mundu IM allows you to do so. You can also set your display pictures and custom status across different services if you want. All your contacts on MSN could see you as busy while those on Yahoo could see as free to talk.

As good as Mundu IM is, there are some problems that I faced when using the software which I hope can be overcome. They are not major problems to me as I do not use these features extensively but it might not be the case for other users.

Unable To Receive Files

Unfortunately, the file sharing goodness only happens one way. At this moment, you are unable to receive any file, no matter what type or size the file is. I initially thought there was a problem on my device but after many attempts and not receiving a file, I guess this feature is not available. The funny thing, however, is that the contact will see that the file was successfully sent to you. I am not sure where the file goes but I hope Mundu IM fixes this problem in the next upgrade.

Send Files From Camera Does Not Work

When you want to send files, Mundu IM has a feature that allows you to take pictures or videos on the fly and then send them. However, when I tried using that feature on my Eten Glofiish X500, it did nothing. My camera did not activate, whether I chose to take still pictures or videos. It could be a different scenario with another model of Windows Mobile device but I am not sure what. Another bug for Mundu IM to fix.

Summary

Pros

• Access multiple IM services at the same time.
• Conference with contacts across different IM services.
• Manage your contacts.
• Send files to your contacts.
• Customize your messages.
• View message archives.

Cons

• Unable to receive files from contacts.
• Unable to send files from camera.

Conclusion

Mundu IM definitely got their IM software for Windows Mobile devices right. It’s almost as good as the desktop version of the various services it covers. If you are an avid user of IM who is always on the road or away from your computer, this software should definitely be on your device. The software may not be perfect, but then again, I have yet to come across a perfect software and this is as good as it gets for IM. Hopefully the developers of Mundu IM are able to rectify the bugs soon and make this software even better than it already is. With Mundu IM, I no longer have to go back to Windows Live Messenger and messed up contacts. Thank you Mundu IM!

How has your experience been with Mundu IM?

Tags: commercial software