Good news to all that have been waiting for the public release of ICQ 6. After half a year of preview versions ICQ has finally released a  first publically available ICQ 6 version.

We have selected a few screenshots for you: 

 

> What's new?

Extra Quick Way to Send IM

Could IM be any faster? Yes it can!
Now you have the option of sending and viewing instant messages directly from within your Contact List or from the message notification.

Grouped Conversations

Tired of jumping from one conversation window to another?
Manage all of your conversations in a single message window.
With ICQ 6 you can switch back and forth from conversation to conversation simply by clicking on the tabs at the top of the window.

Advanced Search Options

Searching from your contact list has never been easier.
You can search for contacts or on the web directly from your contact list.

Easy Access to Unread Messages

Too popular to address all incoming messages?
The message notification box allows you to quickly check all the messages that were received while you were busy.

History Miner

Some people can't throw anything away.
ICQ automatically saves your conversation history, so you can sort and search for important messages.

2 Way SMS

Send your friends an SMS from your PC with ICQ. Your friends can SMS back from their mobile directly to your ICQ message window.

A New Experience of Voice and Video

Want to write to your friends? Talk to them? Just stare at their face? You can do it all!
ICQ 6 lets you use each communication panel separately, or do it all in a single window.