Questions tagged [chat]
Use this tag when seeking software recommendations to relay instant text messages over the Internet, either between individual or to a private or public group.
198
questions
36
votes
8answers
2k views
Alternative messaging network to WhatsApp?
Since Facebook bought Whatsapp, I'm looking for an alternative app and chat network which is able to replace their functionality. What can you recommend?
Requirements:
End-to-end encryption
group ...
21
votes
3answers
300 views
Secure cross-platform instant messaging software
What is secure - as in confidentiality of message contents - instant messaging software with at least following features:
No need to setup (and maintain) my own server
Support for Windows, OS X and ...
18
votes
3answers
46k views
Voice chat software for communicating through LAN (does not require an Internet connection)
I'm looking for software that can be used for voice chatting through LAN. The software will be mainly for home use and while playing LAN games. Due to our spotty Internet connection, and to avoid ...
17
votes
4answers
49k views
Send messages between Windows computers over network
I'm looking for a piece of software that can send plain text messages between two Windows computers on the same network.
There used to be a Net Send feature in Windows, but when it came to XP SP3 I ...
16
votes
2answers
422 views
Skype replacement for text chatting
Requirements:
Open source;
Cross-platform (at least Windows, Linux, OS X);
Text chatting, group chatting;
Encryption of messages;
Reliable eventual delivery of messages (including to offline contacts)...
13
votes
1answer
1k views
Instant messaging client, other than empathy, that integrates with Ubuntu's Unity?
I'm looking to replace Empathy as my instant messaging client in Ubuntu, since it is very buggy for me (I'm using Ubuntu 13.10 if it matters, though I welcome software for 14.04 if you have it).
I'm ...
11
votes
3answers
4k views
Cross-platform LAN messenger that can run on multiple user accounts of the same machine at once?
I'm looking for a (free) program that allows me to chat to other computers on my network (over LAN).
Desired features:
Internet connection not required
Available for Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6.8 (...
11
votes
3answers
8k views
Skype client alternative for Ubuntu
I hate with a passion the Skype client for Ubuntu. I use my hotmail inbox to send messages instead as a workaround to using that terrible piece of software that Skype is trying to pull. I am looking ...
11
votes
1answer
2k views
Android chat / messenger supporting Bonjour / Avahi / Zeroconf / People Nearby
At work, all our team uses Linux. We use chat software (basically either Empathy or pidgin) to communicate internally, via the local network, using the Bonjour protocol (AKA Avahi, AKA zeroconf, AKA ...
10
votes
9answers
738 views
1:1 Video Chat that doesn't require logins
I'm looking for a video chat system that supports 1 on 1 chats and does not require any logins.
Currently we use Google Hangouts or Skype for interviews, but we can't always assume the candidate will ...
9
votes
8answers
4k views
Cross-platform messaging for Android and iPhone
I have a mixed family. While my wife and I are both (currently) using Android phones, as is one of my children; my other child uses an iPhone.
It's important for us to stay in contact, and phone ...
9
votes
3answers
1k views
Team chat with native Android/iOS apps, all open source (alternative to Slack)
My team uses Slack and want to replace it with a self-hosted open source alternative.
Absolute requirements:
Open source (server and ALL clients)
Self-hostable
Rock-solid native apps for Android and ...
9
votes
3answers
465 views
IRC like WebApp Chat
I'm searching for open source webapp or SaaS project that will look like IRC in browser but with log history (and search). Those chats should be private. It can be very basic. I'm looking for ...
9
votes
2answers
444 views
PHP live support chat software
I'm looking for a php script that allows my users on my site to chat with a support agent. I'm looking for something like this but without being so expensive.
Context: I am running a Minecraft ...
8
votes
3answers
2k views
Simple serverless messenger for Linux
I am looking for a messenger or chat application, which should fulfill following criteria:
Peer-to-peer serverless application.
No login required.
Should search and display for other users (running ...
8
votes
3answers
2k views
GTalk (“Google Talk”) Windows Desktop Client to be discontinued on February 16, 2015. Hangouts Alternatives?
GTalk will stop working on Feb 16, 2015.
Google Says to start using the Hangouts Chrome App. I don't like it. Is there any third party or open source alternative to the Chrome app (for Windows) that ...
7
votes
3answers
906 views
Skype alternative for Linux with counterpart for Android
I'm looking for an alternative to Skype which I can use to communicate between Linux computers as well as Android. While Skype is basically being available for both systems, I prefer something more ...
7
votes
2answers
362 views
Free portable instant messaging & audio/video calls for Windows, web, Android and J2ME
EDIT: I've changed my requirements. Also, Linphone didn't help me.
I'm looking for a free, cross-platform, portable instant messaging service with which I can:
Send instant messages
Have emoticons
...
7
votes
2answers
145 views
Video chat for long distance, limited bandwidth users?
We recently moved to the other side of the planet and face the problem of limited bandwidth internet service at a time when we want to use video chat on a daily basis. It's not totally unusable, but ...
7
votes
2answers
3k views
Direct computer to computer video chat
I would have thought it would be common but I can't find one currently; I'm looking for a chat protocol/app that:
Runs directly between two computers (could be client-server relationship I don't ...
6
votes
2answers
94 views
Multi-network IM client with push notifications
I have been using IMO for my IM networking needs, however they are discontinuing their support for all third party networks. So I need a new IM Client, my requirements:
runs on iOS
Supports multiple ...
6
votes
1answer
1k views
Are there any instant messaging apps that support Markdown and LaTex?
I am a college student, and we come across situations where we need to discuss homework and concepts that we have to learn. We traditionally use WhatsApp, but that's not really a good enough app, as ...
6
votes
1answer
189 views
Open source chat app for Facebook
I am looking for an open-source Facebook chat app.
Absolute requirements:
Open source
Ability to disable GPS permanently (or no GPS feature)
Show notifications for new messages
Ability to search ...
5
votes
2answers
571 views
XMPP or LAN messenger where pasted images are directly shown to recipient
I'm looking for a XMPP or LAN messenger where users can paste images from the clipboard and the pasted images are directly shown in the chat window (or a separate window) to the recipient without the ...
5
votes
2answers
172 views
Live chat software for sales driven website
I have a question about which live chat software would better suit my company's needs. We have been using LivePerson but they have changed their user agreements and are now charging for reports on how ...
5
votes
2answers
645 views
Threaded or topic-centric group chat app?
I'm not a highly social person, so I don't have loads of friends I'm always keeping in touch with -- I hate social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc. I suppose I also don't care enough about ...
5
votes
1answer
10k views
VNC server for Android
I would like to use my rooted Android phone from my PC.
I have been testing several VNC server apps and none of them lets you control the Android device remotely.
I have tried Droid VNC and it no ...
5
votes
1answer
277 views
Tree based chat program
Often when I am discussing a topic, the conversation reaches a branch point, where there are two or more options that should be considered.
Is there any chat program/website that supports this?
...
5
votes
1answer
11k views
Website live chat app with WhatsApp integration
Is there a live customer chat app that has WhatsApp integration?
For example, I will go to that sales website and ask something in live support with my mobile number. Then they will answer me via ...
5
votes
1answer
178 views
Message UI for Windows Phone 8
I'm trying to write a messaging app for Windows Phone 8, but I'm having some problems:
I have to design the chat page (the one with the bubbles), but I would not like to rewrite or reinvent that, so ...
4
votes
2answers
146 views
Mac chat client for Facebook
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 ...
4
votes
4answers
145 views
Online IM secure chat - one time chatter
I’m looking for an online based solution to have a secure chat. My objective is to send a secure message to someone (single message or a continuous discussion "chat").
My requirements:
No history ...
4
votes
1answer
91 views
Presence on the network
I'm looking for a program that looks like a chat app, i.e. shows green when the user is on the LAN or red when their device is not on the network. I don't want it to be a chat program, just an ...
4
votes
1answer
1k views
Chat client with LDAP authentication
I am looking for a chat client with the following functionality:
LDAP authentication: Users have LDAP id's and passwords and authentication shall be done from (an already established) LDAP server.
...
4
votes
1answer
117 views
Minimalist Facebook chat client for Android
Ever since chat stopped working on Facebook's website, I have been looking for an alternative to the bloaty spyware-laden Messenger app. There are many alternatives, many of which even share the same ...
4
votes
1answer
100 views
Any moderated group chat software?
I've just spent hours trying to find a simple hosted solution to add to my website for group text-based chat. I can't believe I couldn't find anything. I need to be able to moderate the chat, ...
4
votes
1answer
147 views
Self hosted intranet for Employee Engagement communication and collaboration
I'm doing a little research related to tools for internal use in medium/large company that allows communication and collaboration among its employees.
I need to build a solution (intranet) that I ...
4
votes
1answer
404 views
Open source Android chat app that shows nearby users
I'm searching for an open source Android chat application that shows nearby users, either as List View or on Google Maps using GPS.
To be specific, an app like Peek@U.
4
votes
2answers
266 views
Software to run whatsapp (or similar) on a pc (win xp) without a smartphone, google account or chrome?
How can I run Whatsapp (or similar) on a PC (Win XP) without a smartphone, Google account or Chrome?
I have got an ordinary phone and could use it for verification purposes (e.g. if necessary I could ...
4
votes
0answers
21 views
Type to select friend in Pidgin buddy list
I use Pidgin for chat.
Finding a friend in the list is quite painful. Even though friends are listed alphabetically, that does not help much, especially with kanji characters.
I would like to have a ...
4
votes
0answers
200 views
Team communication tool combining the advantages of Slack and Co-Meeting
I am looking for a team communication tool combining the advantages of Slack and Co-Meeting.
Absolute requirements:
All content invisible to outsiders.
Anyone with a "@mygroup.com" email can join my ...
4
votes
0answers
465 views
Skype plugin for sending rich formatted text
When I paste Rich Text Format or HTML text in Linc it will send as it is. Skype instead will loose the formatting.
Is there any plugin that prevents the lost of formatting and allows skype to send ...
3
votes
4answers
816 views
Replacement for Pidgin on Ubuntu
I need a Google Talk client for my Ubuntu. Nothing fancy, I just don't want to keep my browser open all the time. I was using Pidgin, but about two weeks ago it became extremely slow and unresponsive. ...
3
votes
3answers
204 views
Instant messenger app for Android and iPhone
Please find those criteria below. Thanks for any suggestion in advance!
must have features:
it should be possible to exit/sign out from the app, so I have to write at least my password again (much ...
3
votes
2answers
95 views
Windows application better than Skype
Skype used to be fantastic, but has been gradually strangled over the past few years, and now it is unreliable; the latest changes are ridiculous. I need to leave.
Is there another Windows program ...
3
votes
1answer
202 views
Is there a secure group chat available today?
I would like to know if there is any group chat solution that can be used today with reasonable confidence that the content of the conversations will remain private. So far, these are the solutions I'...
3
votes
1answer
67 views
What program could you use to gather people together like Skype? [closed]
The program, Skype, is not conducive to hold large amounts of connections for chat conferences. No video.
I'm running into an issue and need a program that can support 100+ connections without ...
3
votes
1answer
38 views
Team chat with built-in task management, optionally threading and rearrangement
I'm looking for a chat solution that would feature possibly painless, simple task management, for a small team of 2-5 chatty people to manage their day-to-day activities. Each chat message could be ...
3
votes
2answers
74 views
Browser-based end-to-end encrypted calls without registration
I am looking for a browser-based solution to make end-to-end encrypted calls without having to register (as in verify an email, sms, oauth etc.).
From what I understand this could be accomplished ...
3
votes
2answers
41 views
Need solution for embedding live stream on web page, with call to action or chat (with no sign in)
I need a turnkey solution for a live stream with call to action and/or chat on one page of our wordpress site, which meets the following requirements:
I want all visitors to the webpage to instantly ...
