IM+ gets updated and optimized for Windows 8.1, now live in the Store

When it comes to instant messaging these days, there’s really only one “all in one” app out there, and that’s IM+ from Shape. The app has received numerous updates over the last few years and they’re one of the many companies who are fully on board with Microsoft and their Windows / Windows Phone vision.
IM+, both the Pro and Lite versions, have received updates today bringing them up to Windows 8.1 standards. Don’t forget, in 8.1 developers have a few new tools to take advantages of, including a new tile size (“large”) and the updated “snap view”, which has been replaced in 8.1 with a more flexible system.
So what’s new in IM+ for Windows 8.1? Let’s take a look at the full changelog as we have all of the details.
1. Optimization of all UI elements in Windows 8.1
"In Windows 8 the application has two modes - full screen and 320 px snap view. Now in Windows 8.1 IM+ applications are optimized so they can be resized the way you want.In Windows 8 you had to go back to full screen mode in order to send a file or emoticon. Now in Windows 8.1. the small snap view of IM+ app is 100% functional.The emotions’ button are moved to the dialogue menu and will remain at the same place when you change the application’s window size. Other UI elements like “file attach” will change their location depending on the app window size you fix.Flexibility of app’s window size and it’s full functionality are the most convenient features. You will be able to customize laptop’s desktop the best way you prefer, for instance chatting with friends and working in Internet Explorer and Word document without hiding one of the apps. "
2. New Small and Big tiles
"Now, in Windows 8.1. you can set 4 types of tiles. IM+ apps are adopted for all of them."
- Wide Tile
- Big Tile which will show several recent IM+ messages in the window simultaneously
- Medium Tile which is a ¼ part of usual wide tile
- Small Tile which reminds usual icon.
3. New set of emoticons in IM+ app.
"New set of emoticons recently were added to Windows Phone mobile devices, now they are also supported for Windows 8.1."
4. Show or hide mobile status for ICQ Accounts.
"Ability to enable / disable Mobile status for ICQ contacts."
5. Message queue.
"In other words while one of the accounts in IM+ app is being reconnected, all your messages will be successfully delivered to you ."
6. Support of MSN contacts in Skype
7. Performance improvements and bug fixes
Overall, it’s a solid update to what is already a great, universal app and we really enjoy the new 8.1 features. The app works especially well on tablets, like the Surface 2 and even when working at a desktop (we run it snapped at 1/5 size on our 27-inch monitor).
For those who aren’t familiar with IM+, it connects to many chat services, including Windows Live Messenger, Facebook, Skype chat, Google Talk, AOL/AIM/iChat, Yahoo!, ICQ, Vkontakte, Mail.Ru Agent, Odnoklassniki, Yandex chat, Mamba.Ru, Mig33, SINA Weibo, Renren, Fetion, Gadu-Gadu, MeinVZ and Jabber. So instead of having multiple web clients open, you can have everything centralized in an excellent looking Modern UI app.
If on Windows 8, had to the Store to pick up version 1.7 of IM+ Pro ($4.99) here (opens in new tab) or IM+ Lite (free) here (opens in new tab).
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Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007 when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and for some reason, watches. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.
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I miss Slick on Symbian.
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I am not buying apps until microsoft unifies Windows 8 and windows phone 8 stores!
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Same here already bought what I needed too!
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Next you're gonna want them to unify XBox games with PC games. Buy an XBox game and stick it in the CD-rom to play on your computer.
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I dont like x-box and play stations...PC and Steam all the way!
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Did you know that ASHA is a Hindi word which means hope .
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Did you know I hate off topic comments?
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Daniel, lmao XD
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Ha lol that's messed up, but you have a point. By the way I like turtles lol.
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Then I guess I won't point out that I made 100 Billion dollars last week working from home and now you can too!
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More looking forward to WP version getting a major revamp
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Also wish the app "imo" can port to WP, best fb msn skype, etc. messaging app I tried on Android
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Love to see "IMO" on our phones:)
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Hey, Daniel, what tablet are you using in the picture?
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That's the older ATIV 500T Tab from Samsung...11.6" display, Atom processor. You can read my mini-review here.
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Daniel, any idea if messenger is coming back to windows 8.1? Coz it sucks right now that i can't fb chat like before. Sigh..
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Sorry, no idea. But hey, you can use this?
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Do apps you've purchased for your phone transfer to the tablet?
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Nope. Maybe in the future.
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Cool. I remember paying like 9.99 for IM+ when it first released and was hoping to move that cost to my SP2. Oh well, I'll just use some bing rewards points and cover the cost.
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Does IM+ support Kik messenger chat? Anyone?
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The WP version does not, so presumably the W8.1 version doesn't either.
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Is there a way to force the update? Still looks like I'm running the older version.
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same here
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I already had IM+ 1.7 since I installed 8.1, what's the news today, then???
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I hope the improvement is real. Current version is pretty awful.