Goober is an instant messenger developed by a team of Germans now officially based in Delaware that’s going up against the big guys (Skype, MSN, ICQ, etc.) with a desktop client that overflows with features - some useful, some more superfluous.
The cross-protocol Goober client (available for Windows and soon Mac and Linux as well) can be used to instant message with both peers on the Goober network and those using ICQ, MSN, or Jabber. Its built-in VoIP capabilities can also be used to place calls, although video chat is still under development. We’re told that the company is intent on keeping its client software up-to-date on all platforms, including Java for the mobile, so that users enjoy the same experience regardless of device.
So far, so good - although nothing terribly special. Goober differentiates itself primarily by providing a suite of widgets that can be used to solicit communications through the client. An email widget can be placed in the signature of messages and a so-called “portal” widget can be placed on social network profiles and other webpages. Both present buttons for one-click instant messaging, VoIP calling, and file transferring with the user who distributes them. An additional “classifieds” widget assists those trying to conduct business online who want to be reached through more synchronous means than email.
Goober has also integrated entertainment features into the client. The company draws upon free video channels and radio stations found on the internet and allows for the playback of them at the bottom of the client. The quality of this content isn’t superb and I’m not sure why you’d want to use your IM client for media consumption, but there it is anyway.
Among Goober’s various other bells and whistles is a micropayments system that can be used to pay either Goober for VoIP services or whoever has white labeled Goober for its own business (perhaps a media company that wants to deliver its video through the client for a fee). A Jajah-like feature connects two landlines via VoIP to cut down on the cost of long distance calls. And users can send SMSs, MP3s and screenshots to each other from within the client.
Overall, Goober is a respectable IM client, although I find little that would actually entice me to switch over from Skype and AIM. The entertainment features don’t do anything for me, and the widgets are only moderately useful. The user interface could also use some cleaning up, as it confuses and doesn’t look the most professional. However, those who regularly communicate across several protocols should check it out, especially once Goober adds AIM and Gtalk support (both planned).
A special beta access page has been set up here - the first 5000 TechCrunch readers to download the client through there will receive a $5 voucher that can be used to try out the client’s VoIP capabilities.
Also see the recent upgrades to Skype’s IM client, which has moved further in the video chat direction.
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Omg…. Ever heard of http://www.pidgin.im guys??
Digsby.com beats every competition in feature set and integration of Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Hotmail makes it even more usable. See list of features and try it for yourself http://www.digsby.com
Oh - I don’t know what I’d do without my Digsby. Truthfully, while this service looks nice and I’ll take a peek for sure, I’m really not in the mood for another messaging service. It’s already bad enough I have to nail down 5 to my Digsby - I really don’t want another.
Update - Tried signing up. Downloaded the damn thing. It’s really nothing special at all. Took about 15 minutes to get a confirmation e-mail. Link in confirmation email takes me back to the Techcrunch referral page. Still can’t log in because it says I still need to click on the link from my confirmation email (did about 3 times already). Sorry, this is worthless to me.
Dear Nicky,
the problem should be solved now. It would be nice if you could try it again
offtopic
goober means crap (in hindi)
That interface looks just as crappy as the native IM clients. Why would I ever want to use that? It doesn’t support Yahoo, and it looks bulky. I’d take Digsby any day.
I think they have problems - even though I have activate it (twice) it doesn’t work. Also on the activation link the webpage does not display any message like: Contratulations, you have activated!
Can you please try it again. There was a problem which should have been solved.
rgds
Peter
Yes, now it’s working.
Goober means snotty hocker expectorant in Ohio.
It’s also an insult, like “you dork. You Goober.”
WTF cares, redneck.
But their logo looks like Geeber. Marketing is not their strong suit!
Multiple protocols is certainly useful but their UI looks indeed a bit busy. Maybe it’s time for a round of cleanup before adding more and more features ?
Hi Peter,
take a look at this please:
http://www.goober.com/techcrunch
We are inviting the first 5000 signups for this beta program and we are willing to learn and improve
Goober also is the name of the absolute moron on the Andy Griffith show in the 50’s
It’s 2008, retard.
goober means 10.000 bc nothing ^^
21MB, that’s nuts!!
I have tryed to make a call but it tells me that payment is required. Also when I click payment it takes about 30 seconds for the new window to appear on my screen. In that form there are only address fields - what about modern ways of payment? (credit-card, micropayment, paypal, etc)
Please go to this page:
http://www.goober.com/techcrunch
We dropped in a 5USD free calling voucher for the first 5000 signups from TechCrunch.
You need to activate payment and type in the voucher code exposed on the site. Also please keep in mind this software is B E T A and cc payment is disabled right now.We would like to have the TechCrunch readers helping us to improve it.
I feel so bad for peter, and everyone telling him his baby is crap
im getting a mac in a couple days, and digsby looks AMAZING. its the pidgin that i never had.
Ha ha,
no it is fine
You need to use and explore goober it really simplifies your digital life.
Just try out the eMail Widget
rgds
Peter
I wouldn’t feel bad about it, Digsby is relatively lean for all the stuff that it does and it does it better than anyone. It’s not that Goober might suck, its that Digsby has just become so good.
i agree with patrick. theres too many multi protocol IMs out there with all of these features, to make goober stand out. except for voip, never seen that in a client. but i nevevr use it so meh.
Hi All,
Seem that we have lost focus on the subject here, goober is not launching a multimessenger - as already said in this “debate” everyone making a messenger have this feature. What is unique about goober is their own features non of the mentioned IM have + They have a unique one of a kind communication widget that allows everybody to make free calls/(videocalls is released in weeks) to the Owner of the widget, WITHOUT downloading software - and make filetrans and online slideshows!
This widget can besides communicating with other known IM, be a tool to be online on all social networks that supports widgets, without logging in - and be able to take calls/chat messages - ALL from 1 client.
So i say lets test it and give feed back - i can hardly believe that users will not love the widget…..
JorgenK
Peter you need some women on your team…. the testosterone from that is killing me
Hi Antje,
actually we do have 4 female programmers in our team.
@jorgen: Please slow down. We have heavy dowloads and i get very positive feedback directly via goober. And, yes goober needs to be explored.
hi Peter, the entire thing is almost totally geared to males - from the name to the images used in data material to the example names used. I’m not saying pepper it with flowers and rainbows but def need to decrease the male elements if you want to win attention from those of the female persuasion… just saying!
digsby is way too heavy
you guys should seriously check out a new messenger that came out it’s called SKABBLE http://www.skabble.com - it’s the beginning of virtual reality on any website - kinda like IRC on web (any website)
It’s cool..
people on alibaba will probably use this one…
http://blabtech.blogspot.com
no offense but their name leaves a lot to be desired.
Looks like a dog’s breakfast.
Widget seems to be the really cool feature here
JUST WHAT WE NEED, ANOTHER GOD DAMNED WALLED GARDEN
plz plz plz adopt one protocol. xmpp is looking pretty nice these days
Tested 2 hours all, its like MSN with more features except the widget stuff, thats cool, really cool looking forward to se how these guys will solve the videowidget thing that excites me!
God luck!
Goober is Australian slang for semen or mucus. Wouldn’t touch this IM client if I were you.
How can you call a company Web 2.0, that uses “Times New Roman” in its website
@Peter Uhlich: Hello fellow Delaware native. I’m in Middletown.
goober feels damn unfinished,
some nice ideas, but none is realy done/finished.
well - i think that’s why this is called beta
They want to know what is already good or not AND why!
So go ahead and say WHICH ideas are nice and WHICH is not done/finished and not something useless like “some is nice” - you know what i mean?
Congratulations on the launch!
I think Goober is very powerful and extremelly useful with the widgets integration.
I plan to use it full time!!
great guys!!
In the current state its not more than one of many multi messengers.
Not worth the download.
Kinda seems like digsby is a little ahead of this too. Goober’s ’site’ organization of contacts is kinda neat though.
CG