Yandex launches an instant messaging service. This service is featured in the new version of Ya.Online (I’m.Online), Yandex’s free desktop application.
The service is powered by Jabber and is compatible with user accounts, both on Yandex and on other jabber-based services like QIP, GMail and Livejournal.
The new Ya.Online version is available for download at http://online.yandex.ru
After installing Ya.Online 2.0, Yandex users do not have to look for someone to chat with. The contact list on Ya.Online will automatically transfer contacts from the user’s Yandex.Mail and Ya.ru social networking service accounts.
Ya.Online was rolled out for public use in September 2007 as an email notifier for Yandex.Mail accounts. From February 2008, Ya.Online also has a search box and weather and traffic informers, and another version released in March 2008 featured a free Kaspersky anti-virus module. Today, Ya.Online offers several new features for easy and fun instant messaging, such as fast contact list search, Ya.ru new post or mood notifier, and an opportunity to indicate your own mood.