I think the instant messaging applications are starting to get big again, or perhaps it is just because I am starting to use instant messaging apps more frequently. Either way, there are quite a few of them out there so it is always important to be a little different than the others. How much more different can you be messaging a friend? Two words: Goober Networks.

Goober is an instant messenger developed by a team of Germans based in Delaware that’s going up against the big guys (Skype, MSN, ICQ, etc.) with a desktop client that overflows with features. Available for Mac, Linux, Windows, and cell phones, you can practically use Goober anywhere. In addition, like many of the instant messaging apps, Goober incorporates their network, MSN, ICQ, and Jabber. Interestingly, AIM is not part of the protocol group. 

The application comes equipped with voIP, so making and receiving calls is a nice addition. Users can also send text messages, and MP3s. Unfortunately, video is not yet included but I am sure that will be added in the future. Still, it seems like your normal application, right? Look a little closer and you’ll find that Goober differentiates itself primarily by providing a suite of widgets that can be used to communicate through the client. 

An email widget can be placed in the signature of messages and a “portal” widget can be placed on social network profiles and other webpages. This is rather cool because instead of the other person getting the application, they can instead go to your site, Facebook, or wherever else you placed the widget and chat with you. Both options present buttons for one-click instant messaging, VoIP calling, and file transferring with the user. An additional “classifieds” widget assists those trying to conduct business online who want to be reached through more synchronous means than email.

There is more – if you are looking to listen to a little music while you chat, so be it. Like AIM, Goober has also integrated entertainment music and video into the client. Goober scours the internet for free video channels and radio stations found on the internet and allows for the playback of them at the bottom of the client. I love this feature but unfortunately, the quality is subpar. 

Overall, Goober is a pretty decent IM client. Unfortunately, I won’t be a switcher quite yet. AIM is not included. However, those who regularly communicate across several protocols should check it out, especially once Goober adds AIM and Gtalk support. It is currently in beta, so many features and changes will be taking place. Fortunately, your phone and other computers won’t be left out to collect dust with their multi-platform upgrade system. Speaking of phones, if you own an iPhone, I was told that there are more great features coming soon in conjunction with the iPhone so stay tuned. I do application reviews at iPhone Matters so be on the lookout when this feature is released.

There is a new VOIP service in town and it is free, for a little while at least. JaJah is a VoIP service that allows you to make free calls from your landline to another landline.The way it works is not much explained, but you basically go online and register your number, then get your contact to register their number. Once you’re both registered, you click the Call This Landline Number button within the JaJah application. After a short pause, your phone will ring and an automated voice will ask you to wait while you’re connected to the other person. Once they answer their phone, you can talk for free.

I couldn’t really test it out because I can talk for free anyway with my cell phone, and I don’t have any friends overseas. I didn’t however, get a friend to register just to try out the quality. It was not bad at all. Very clear with no hickups at all.

Even better, if you want to call a landline number in a different country, you can do it free or very inexpensively. Registered users within USA, Canada, China, Singapore, Hong Kong Taiwan or Taiwan can talk for free to and from any combination of landline and mobile phones.

A feature I really like, and that I find is being incorporated into many services these days, is the ability to call for free without even using a computer to connect two landlines. All you will have to do is text JaJah the number you want to call and the same process as with landlines will follow – They call you, you answer, and wait to be connected!

So what does this service do that the giant (Skype) can’t do? Not much actually, but the differences may be big to you. JaJah allows you to use your own phone instead of an awkward Skype USB phone or headset and you do not have to install any software. In addition, JaJah is free in most cases, and you cannot beat that. So check it out. They offer a demo on their site before you register.

If you’re considering looking into Vonage or some other VoIP service, pause and take a look at ooma. The concept is almost exactly the same, minus the monthly bill.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is pretty well-known by this point–you basically make calls via your Internet connection rather than a landline phone. The big difference between ooma and providers such as Vonage is that once you buy your hardware, the company will not charge you for the service. To use ooma, you just connect your phone and Internet connection to an ooma Hub device and you’re ready to go. Of course, you don’t need to keep your computer on, and you can even keep your old phone number(s). Buying an ooma Scout device will add an additional line without adding a new phone number. And while the list of extra features is not overwhelming, they include the typical features such as call-waiting and caller ID, as well as unlimited calls in the US, call-blocking, and a do not disturb feature.

What are the major drawbacks to this service? Well, obviously, you might want to keep basic landline phone service if you want to be able to make calls during power and Internet outages. And investing in the ooma Hub device is not cheap–it costs $500, with its introductory rate being $400. But it will most likely pay for itself after a while and should save you a few thousand dollars after a few years.

I don’t expect to see too many people switching over ooma quite yet, but I have no doubt that it and similar services will become the norm within time. Learn more at www.ooma.com.