Trillian Astra for Web Now Here

Cerulean Studios is celebrating the 9th birthday of their multi-network instant messenger Trillian, and giving all of us a present. They have opened up their web-based version of Trillian Astra for beta testing. Unlike their Trillian Astra desktop client for Windows, the web version will also work on other operating systems, include Linux and Mac OS X.

This new beta is open to anyone with a Trillian Astra account (which you can get for free), however they plan to make the web version a premium service when it is officially launched. No word on what the cost might be.

If you already use Trillian Astra, the web version will look very familiar, using the beautiful Cordonata skin. Trillian Astra for the web uses Flash to give you a smooth, application-like feel. On top of this, all of your contacts, groups and other settings are synchronized with your desktop client.

This really is a Beta

As noted when signing in, this is very much a beta, and shouldn’t be relied on as your primary instant messaging program. In fact, I was able to login earlier today, but minutes later and without warning, the access was closed with the message “The web client is temporarily unavailable while we finalize it for beta access. It will re-appear at this spot when we’re ready to accept testers!” UPDATE: Access is open again.

Feature List

• Single sign-on capable
• Messaging across Astra, WLM, Yahoo!, AIM, ICQ, MySpaceIM, Jabber, Google Talk
• Typing notifications
• Smooth vector-based emoticons
• Buzz support
• Set status message
• Offline contacts folder
• Update browser tabs/taskbar with message alerts
• Profile integration
• Color themes
• Email notifications
• Suspend / resume sessions
• MetaContacts and groups
• Set and view user avatars
• Change displayname
• Mutable sounds
• Add and remove contacts
• Contact authorizations
• Generic “system tray” notification framework
• Basic mail alerts; click alert to open web mail in browser
• Basic keyboard controls

For more details, read the announcement on the Cerulean Studios blog.

Happy Birthday, Trillian!