Yuuguu Combines Multi-Service IM Client and Screensharing
We've already highlighted Yuuguu, a free screensharing tool for Windows, Mac, and Linux, as one of our favorite tools numerous times in the past. One feature that was missing from Yuuguu, however, was the ability to quickly send invitations via IM and create a group conference on IM with users on different IM services. Now, however, Yuuguu has integrated MSN, Yahoo, AOL and ICQ chat, in addition to its recent integration with Google Talk. This turns Yuuguu into an IM aggregator with sophisticated screensharing features.
This new version of Yuuguu, which was released today, still features all the regular screensharing functions, including the ability to share your screen with up to 30 users at the same time and giving your users control over your screen. Yuuguu also features the ability to set up phone conferences on the fly.
We especially like Yuuguu because only the person actually sharing the screen has to install any software, while everybody else can just use a flash-based web interface to see your screen. Too many other free screensharing tools make both sides install software on their machines.
The IM functionality works just as advertised and is similar to most other multi-service IM clients. It is, however, not as fully featured as some other clients like Digsby, Trillian, or Adium. You can not send files to other users, for example.
Some Limitations
We noticed a few minor limitations to Yuuguu, though none of them are real deal breakers. If you have a dual-screen setup, for example, only your first screen can be shared on Yuuguu. Also, you can only add one IM account per service to Yuuguu. If you use more than one Google Talk account, you will have to choose which one to add to Yuuguu.
Overall however, the IM integration works very well and adds a new degree of functionality to a tool we already liked a lot. If you are looking for an easy to use screensharing tool, you could do a lot worse than giving Yuuguu a try.
