A pple previewed Mac OS X 10.2 today, and one of the features introduced is iChat, a system-wide IM client to be built into Mac OS X 10.2. Code named "Jaguar," Mac OS X 10.2 is scheduled to be released in the "late summer." iChat is based on AIM, AOLis very popular instant messaging client, and Apple worked with the company to develop iChat. According to live coverage of todayis keynote at MacCentral, Steve Jobs said: "[Itis the] First time AOL has let anyone under the tent."
iChat will also use a new networking protocol being introduced by Apple called Rendezvous. The technology allows computers on a network to find each other, a huge step forward in end user-simplicity. Apple will use Rendezvous in iChat to allow users to find and chat with each other across networks. There will also be cross-integration with Mail, as well as a new system-wide version of Address Book. iChat users will be able to manage their chat sessions from the Mac OS X menubar. From Apple:
Apple® today previewed iChat, an Apple developed AIM-compatible instant messaging client that will be included with the next major release of Mac® OS X, code-named "Jaguar," available to customers late this summer. AIM is one of the most popular instant messaging communities with more than 150 million registered users. iChat will be built into "Jaguar" and features an elegant Aqua interface, allowing seamless instant messaging between Mac.com members, AOL members and AOL® Instant Messenger™ (AIM) users. Mac users can use their existing Mac.com names with iChat or get a free Mac.com name in seconds if they donit already have one.
"Weire very excited about bringing Mac users into the broader AOL community with the first fully compatible integration of another user base with AIM and AOL Buddy List users," said Bob Pittman, Chief Operating Officer-elect of AOL Time Warner. "This will make it possible for Mac users to communicate within our network using their existing Mac.com identities. We look forward to working together with Apple on other innovative offerings."
"iChat lets Mac OS X users join the best instant messaging community in the world," said Steve Jobs, Appleis CEO. "Together with AOL, weire making it possible for iChat users to exchange instant messages with over 150 million people, all using their Mac.com names."
AIM, AOL Buddy List and Mac.com users can use their existing screen name or "handle." The Mac OS X version of iChat allows users to quickly see and change their online status and communicate with buddies from the menu bar. The Mail application in Mac OS X shows online status of buddies, allowing users to instantly turn e-mail exchanges into real time chats. And, the new system-wide Address Book manages buddy information including name, handle and photo along with the rest of their contact information.
iChatis innovative use of Aqua delivers a great new user experience for instant messaging. iChat uses "dialogue bubbles" and buddy photos to present instant messages in a graphically conversational manner. iChat invitations pop on the screen in a simple and non-intrusive way using transparency and animation effects. iChat users can also automatically discover and chat with other iChat users on their local Ethernet or AirPort® networks.
You can find more information on the WWDC at Appleis Web site. Join in on the discussion about iChat in our forums.