ICQ Messenger, one of the pioneering instant messaging platforms that allowed users to connect in real-time, is coming to an end. With a unique feature of assigning users a number for connectivity, ICQ stood out amongst its counterparts like AOL Instant Messenger and MSN Messenger. It also offered innovative features such as SMS messaging and the ability to message people even when they were offline. For many of us, the nostalgic “Uh oh!” alert still rings in our ears when we think of ICQ.
Founded in 1996 by Israeli company Mirabilis, ICQ was later acquired by AOL in 1998. At its peak, ICQ boasted 100 million registered users, making it a formidable player in the instant messaging space. However, in 2010, AOL sold ICQ to Digital Sky Technologies, the firm that owned VK, previously known as Mail.ru. Over the years, ICQ evolved to adapt to the changing landscape of messenger apps, resembling platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
VK, the Russian company that has been overseeing ICQ since 2010, recently announced that ICQ Messenger will cease to operate from June 26th. Users have been urged to transition to VK’s other chat solutions as ICQ fades into history. While the official announcement may come as a surprise to some, the reality is that ICQ has been on a decline for quite some time. An Internet Archive snapshot from March 2023 revealed that ICQ had already been removed from Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store.
As we bid farewell to ICQ Messenger, we reminisce about the role it played in shaping the way we communicate online. Its unique features and iconic alerts will forever be etched in the memories of those who used it. While the world of instant messaging continues to evolve with new innovations and platforms, ICQ will always hold a special place in the hearts of its users. Rest in peace, ICQ Messenger.
Leave a Reply