The modern world faces a messaging problem: There are so many chat apps that almost no one can get away with using just one. Making matters worse, many of today's chat apps are not third-party friendly. Even if a chat platform doesn't like third parties, however, many have web apps, and that's where we come in to introduce you to a useful new Chrome app called All-in-One Messenger.
This Chrome app brings all these different messaging services into one place on your desktop with a tab for each. It's not like the good old days, where all your messaging contacts were in one directory regardless of platform, but it's still helpful. Since it's a Web Chrome App, it can also be pinned to your taskbar or Start Menu.
So, don't waste any time, download and install All-in-One Messenger from the Chrome Web Store.
Once the app is ready, click on any of the messaging services you want to use and log in to the web app for each platform. You can always go back to the list of messaging services by clicking on the settings gear in the top left corner.
Once you've logged into a few of the services you're interested in, you'll see that each one has its own tab that you can switch between. Additionally, you may need to tweak the settings of each web application you use to enable desktop notifications.
However, you should be aware that since Chrome is not fully integrated with Windows 10, your desktop notifications will not appear in the Action Center. Also, the All-in-One Messenger window does not have a taskbar to notify you of new conversations that may be waiting for you.
Currently, All-in-One Messenger supports over 30 chat services, including Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, HipChat, Skype, Slack, Steam, Telegram, Tencent QQ, WeChat, and WhatsApp. It also supports XMPP for those who prefer older services – not to mention native support for ICQ.
The bad news
In its current form, All-in-One Messenger has an end date. Google is planning a slow death for Chrome Apps, like All-in-One Messenger for Windows, Mac, and Linux. By the end of 2016, you will no longer be able to download and install the app, and on Windows, the app will stop working in early 2018.
If All-in-One Messenger suits you, download it as soon as possible. Then, as 2018 approaches, All-in-One Messenger may also become available as a desktop app.
If not, an alternative to keep in the back of your mind is Franz. Currently available in beta, Franz works similarly to All-in-One Messenger, but as a regular desktop program.
