Friends can be sorted in the list in various ways: alphabetically, by conversation history size, etc. There are several actions that can be performed during a conversation: you can insert a screen capture (by clicking and dragging the mouse), flag text as important (i.e. yellow text with red highlights), or change font to code style (which is especially useful if you’re trying to explain a programming language to someone).

There are tons of emoticons you can play with (smiley faces, objects and symbols), and some of them are compatible with both Yahoo and MSN Messenger. The chat history is better organized than in typical instant messengers, because here you can actually select a date from the calendar to access a conversation, as well as view any images exchanged between you and your friends. What’s more, the chat history can be synced between your computer and your smart phone, so it’s at your disposal everywhere you go.

In conclusion, Trillian Astra is worth your while if you need an IM application that can deal with multiple accounts at a time. The streamlined interface, together with the intuitive feel you get when you get acquainted with it makes it a reliable choice.

Here are some key features of “Trillian”:
– Basic Messaging
– SecureIM
– Privacy Settings
– File Transfers
– Direct Connections
– Group Conferences
– Display Pictures
– Real-time Video Chat
– Video Filter Effects
– Image Capture
– Video Capture
– Emotiblips
– Picture In Picture
– Side By Side
– Full Screen Video
– Real-time Audio Chat
– Quick Access To Input And Output Controls
– Audio Muting
– Pause Live Video And Audio
– Rewind
– Fast Forward
– “Seek” Slider Bar
– Record Live Video And Audio Clips
– Capture Video Into Image Files
– Integrated Web Searching
– Instant Lookup
– Status Panel
– Notification Windows
– Add Extra Information To Contact Tooltip
– Rename Contacts
– Explorer Integration (Drag Files To Contacts)
– Icon View
– Meta Contacts
– Floating Contacts
– Panels
– Tabbed Chat Windows
– Emoticons
– Emotisounds
– Timestamping
– Transparent Windows
– Smart Tabs
– Basic Messaging
– File Transfers
– Display Pictures
– Audio Chat
– Video Chat
– iChat AV Compatible