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Trillian Astra beta invites easy to snag (multi-protocol IM client)
Over the years, other applications joined the party, including Pidgin, Miranda, and Digsby. And Trillian sort of fell out of the limelight. Two and a half years ago the company began alpha testing its next generation instant messenger called Trillian Astra. But it's been locked away behind an invite-only wall ever since.
And this week Lifehacker noted that pretty much anyone who signs up for a beta invite is being sent one almost immediately. That means two things. First, if you want to check out Trillian Astra, you can likely do it now. Second, a public release is probably coming soon. I could be wrong on the latter point, but I don't think so.
The latest version of Trillian Astra adds support for social networking services including Facebook and Twitter as well as instant messaging services, which means it could give Digsby a run for its money. Right now only a Windows version of the chat client is available, but OS X and iPhone versions are in the works as well. If you sign up for a beta invite, you may get a notice one of these days letting you know that those versions are available for download.
Comments
18
Subscribe to commentsKeegdnaBApr 9th 2009 1:35PM
I switched from Trillian to Pidgin because I was too lazy to bother err..."acquiriing" the pro version, but Pidgin has been running like a dog lately so we'll see how well this runs
chrisarozApr 9th 2009 1:41PM
I've used Trillian for YEARS, even did the alpha of Astra. Once I found Digsby though it was all over. Trillian will have a hard time catching up, both in usability and astethics.
richard.gaileyApr 9th 2009 1:48PM
Haven't used Trillian for years so giving it a shot.
When you first run the installer, remember to watch out for the usual, 'bloatware' check boxes.
SyythlordApr 9th 2009 1:48PM
Have been using Trillian for about 5 years and it's always been a great platform for my Windows PC's. I'm looking forward to trying this out. Just got my key a few minutes ago. It took less than 5 minutes from the submission time.
johnwokcApr 9th 2009 2:07PM
I just wish Miranda would add facebook support, then I'd be complete. All the others are bloatware.
Bill MintonApr 9th 2009 2:31PM
I zipped my Trillian folder (in program files) before the install, and I'm glad I did. I use SimpLite for encrypting my conversations, and it doesn't appear to work w/Astra. I was able to roll back though (via the .zip file) and all seems to be working well again.
PaulApr 9th 2009 2:32PM
Was a long time user of Trillian Pro but after a very long wait for Astra switched to Pidgin. I installed the beta of Astra and am not impressed. So far Pidgin has more features and for me better customization. I also like the fact I can run Pidgin on LInux as well. I would say the only thing I like better in Astra in the skins.
HaversApr 9th 2009 11:11PM
What's the word on system resources use for this new version?? Trillian was the favorite, as it was one of the first ones to do this, but Pidgin has surpassed. I'm rooting for Astra, but I'd like to know if it's heavy on system resources before I use it.
lolekApr 9th 2009 4:36PM
10 Mb max..
Ntw1103Apr 9th 2009 9:48PM
I have been using trillian since it first came out. yes, including the alpha and other beta builds.
system resources: 27,964K (this is normal, also it has been running for a couple days.)
Tech-MikeApr 10th 2009 8:00AM
"pretty much anyone who signs up for a beta invite is being sent one almost immediately. That means two things. First, if you want to check out Trillian Astra, you can likely do it now."
Ive tried signing up about 3-5 times now and have not once gotten a response...not even in spam. Ive been using trillian for a LONG time now and love it, even tested the torrented versions of astra...If anybody has any luck in signing up - please send an invite my way:
Tech-Mike@gmx.com
http://tech-mike.no-ip.org
Jash SayaniApr 10th 2009 8:00AM
Having issues while creating a new account in Windows 7.....
Anyone facing this issue ??
mgthantzinApr 12th 2009 8:48AM
what is good about this over some other alternatives like pidgin, digsby?
Tech-MikeApr 12th 2009 2:39AM
Heres a screenshot of one reason I like Trillian.
http://www.boxshots.org/screenies/5100.jpg
Using a plugin with Trillian Pro (upper right of screenshot).
Fatal FuryApr 12th 2009 2:57PM
I got my invite immediately after I submitted the form. It looks like it's just an auto-responder at this point.
BondApr 12th 2009 3:05PM
@Tech-Mike: Check your email.
Tech-MikeApr 12th 2009 3:27PM
Bond : I did, I had tried signing up 3-5 times over the last several months and NEVER received anything from Trillian...
Fatal Fury : Thank you !!
Tech-MikeApr 14th 2009 7:35AM
Well, now that I have it....Im not too impressed, first - it didnt play nice with my ESL plugin (Enhanced Skinning Library) which is shown in my previous posts screenshot link, crashed until removed. Second, I keep readn that it comes with 30 day trial of Pro features, which I read somewhere that the default skin was included in that and unavailable after the trial...I cant confirm that as of yet but also read something about the message history not being "full"...again, not too impressed and if after the 30 days I still dont like it - this long time trillian user will be goin digsby.