Russian online major
However, unlike the previous versions, ICQ New has an artificial intelligence component that can help provide quick replies and convert voice messages into text. A platform for creating bots is also available.
Meanwhile, to cater to the needs of companies whose employees are working remotely under the lockdown regime, ICQ New has a feature for group calls. Up to 30 people could take part in audio and video calls.
While the name ICQ derives from the English phrase "I Seek You," the messenger was originally developed by the Israeli firm Mirabilis back in 1996. In 1998, AOL bought the service and sold it to
By then, the messaging client's popularity had declined from its early 2000s peak of more than 100mn users to around 42mn users. This decline has continued ever since, and currently, according to
Still, the Russian online major's interest in the instant messaging app segment has not subsided, and, in 2017, it launched another similar app, TamTam.
"TamTam is a more traditional messaging app that is cantered not only on emotional values, but also on rational ones, such as speed, convenience, pragmatism and broad functionality,"
Now,
At this point, it is hard to say if the relaunch of ICQ will help the messaging app to seriously compete with most popular apps of the same kind.
According to audience measuring firm Mediascope,
Experts say that the moment for relaunching ICQ is good, as demand for messaging services offering video and audio group call options is on the rise due to the coronavirus lockdown.
According to
In addition, one of ICQ New's main competitors, Telegram, is facing litigations in
But there are factors playing against
"They need to either combine their users in one product and focus on it, or offer different products based on their interests," he said.
Meanwhile, regardless of user numbers, a messaging app could be successfully monetised.
"Monetisation options abound,"
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