4

I’m looking for a Mac chat client that supports Facebook.

Features:

  • Ability to view all Facebook messages previously exchanged with a contact (this is where Adium and iMessage fall short)
  • Must be a desktop client, not a web app
  • Pop-up notifications when a message is received

Bonus features:

  • Ability to suppress Facebook’s message read feature
  • Alerts when a selected contact comes online
  • Ability to message Google Talk users
  • Ability to float on top of other windows

2 Answers 2

2

You can use Astro. This is the only Facebook client that I'm aware of that lets you access previous messages. Astro is a desktop client and uses OS X notifications for new messages.

3

Have you tried Flamingo? I think it's close to what you've listed:

  • it's a native app
  • it's integrated with OSX's notifications
  • it supports Hangouts too
  • Unfortunately it does not support syncing history and messages sent from other clients because of limitations of Facebook's API (see this FAQ)

If you're using Skype, you could connect Facebook to it - https://support.skype.com/en/faq/FA11065/can-i-keep-in-touch-with-my-facebook-friends-in-skype-for-mac-os-x

I'm using Trillian, but it does not sync the history too (I guess it's the same reason as with Flamingo)

5
  • Thanks for helping out, Boyan! But could you please take a look at our discussion on what makes an answer high quality, and see if you can edit some of the improvements into your answer? Answers here on SR should explicitly state how the recommended product matches each requirement, and if possible include own experiences made with.
    – Izzy
    Aug 4, 2014 at 14:01
  • I don't believe that Skype allows you to view messages that were sent offline. I haven't tried Flamingo because I don't want to spend $13 unless I know it meets my requirements
    – Casebash
    Aug 4, 2014 at 14:54
  • Sorry I edited my answer - it's my first answer so I'm not sure it's written how it's supposed to be. Hope it helps. Aug 4, 2014 at 15:07
  • 1
    Thanks heaps for your answer. Its especially interesting to learn that the Facebook API limits viewing of past messages
    – Casebash
    Aug 5, 2014 at 12:07
  • 1
    I don't think Facebook API limits access to older messages, just that most clients use Jabber which has no access to older messages —cc @Casebash
    – grg
    Aug 10, 2014 at 13:23

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.