Thankyou for visiting our articles section. We are striving to provide visitors to our site with interesting, funny, timely, and relevent information with regards to greeting cards and all the other subjects that fall under this general keyword.

Modular Client Features the Debut of ICQ(r) Xtraz, an Open Platform that Inspires Innovation and Enables Customization

Dulles, VA and Tel Aviv, Israel - April 20, 2004 - ICQ(r) ("I Seek You"), a world-leading online communications community and international service from America Online, Inc., today announced the introduction of ICQ 4.0, a next-generation instant messaging service that offers customization to provide users with a highly personal communications platform. ICQ also announced the worldwide debut of ICQ Xtraz, the industry's first open instant messaging platform that supports the creation, delivery and automatic update of new features for the ICQ(r) client.

ICQ 4.0, which can be downloaded today at (http://www.icq.com/), brings a new and improved user interface, advanced functionality and flexible options directly into the messaging window to put fun new features and advanced instant communications tools at the fingertips of more than 180 million registered users. ICQ's new client offers an innovative, multi-function message window that groups incoming messages and frequent tasks for easy use; a message forwarding feature that can forward ICQ messages to users' cellular phones; customizable "ICQ(r) Devils" (personal expressions), birthday alerts, new single- and multi-player games and more.

ICQ 4.0 is the first ICQ client release to feature the ICQ Xtraz flexible platform with an open application programming interface (API) that inspires creativity and innovation. The ICQ Xtraz platform enables ICQ to present users with a selection of new services as they are created, without the need to download a new client. Xtraz also supports the creation of new ICQ features that can be built separately from the core ICQ client, and then delivered and automatically updated over time - without interrupting the flow of user communications.

"ICQ is an essential personal communications medium that acts as the primary social gateway for millions of people worldwide," said Orey Gilliam, General Manager of ICQ. "With the addition of new ICQ Xtraz, ICQ has also become a platform for fun and innovation that can easily and instantly scale and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our active users."

The introduction of ICQ 4.0 and debut of ICQ Xtraz platform follows on the successful March 2004 launch of the ICQ(r) Universe (http://universe.icq.com), the only social networking service built on an established and global instant messaging service. The ICQ Universe lets users access a dynamic view of the relationships within the vast ICQ(r) community, enhance profiles and write friend referrals.

ICQ 4.0 with Xtraz makes it easy for users to take advantage of ICQ's innovative community services and new features by delivering automatic updates to the user menu and software client without adding to its size. ICQ users can now simply choose which 'Xtraz' feature to activate according to their individual needs and desires.

Among the first ICQ partners to take advantage of the new open platform are Oberon Media (http://www.oberongames.com/) which is using Xtraz technology to develop fun and engaging new services that can be delivered entirely within the ICQ 4.0 messaging interface.

"Gaming applications are perfectly suited to meet the needs of our young, adventurous and active users, who look to ICQ for interesting new ways to meet new people around the world," added Gilliam. "With our new Xtraz technology, we can instantly extend our personal communications platform to any number of new partners who can provide content and services our users need. We also look forward to the time our users themselves are able to create new and innovative features for the global ICQ community to enjoy."

Highlights of the new ICQ 4.0 include:

- Enhanced ICQ(r) Interface: The new ICQ client offers an improved messaging interface that makes it easier to manage and launch communication and frequent tasks from within a single, messaging interface for each correspondent. The new look and feel limits the number of windows that must be open for regular communications.
- Message Forwarding: This new feature enables ICQ users to forward their ICQ(r) messages to their cellular phones so that they don't miss messages when away from their computers. This message forwarding feature also lets users shut down the ICQ client from their cellular phone should they no longer wish to receive messages.
- New Games: ICQ's new single and multiplayer games can be launched either from within a user's ICQ(r) contact list or through the new message interface. More games will be automatically added in the coming weeks.
- Customizable "ICQ Devils": ICQ Devils are the icons that users use to personalize their profiles. New, animated ICQ Devils have been added in ICQ 4.0. Users can select from a pre-defined gallery or upload their own photo to be displayed within the message window and inside all incoming message notifications. The animated Devils respond to emoticons used within the message text, so if a users sends a smile, their ICQ Devil smiles too.
- Greeting Cards: A full gallery of greetings has been added in ICQ 4.0. Each card can be previewed and sent from within the ICQ client. These greeting cards can also be launched from within the new ICQ(r) Super Message.
- Birthday Reminder: ICQ 4.0 offers an updated ICQ Birthday Reminder that automatically updates a given user's contacts when it is that user's birthday by placing a balloon icon beside that user's name on their friends' contact lists. Those contacts are then offered the option of sending a birthday card via the ICQ client.


About ICQ

ICQ is wholly owned by America Online, Inc. ICQ was created in 1996 by the Israel-based company, Mirabilis, and acquired by AOL in 1998. ICQ is a world leading communications community with over 175 million registered users worldwide. On days when connected to ICQ, users spend an average of over 4.5 hours on the service. ICQ offers one of the most robust instant messaging and enhanced communications features in the market today. The product is available for free at www.icq.com.

Contact Info:
Krista Thomas, America Online, Inc.
703-265-5880