Jaiku Adds Instant Messaging

Helsinki-based Jaiku is announcing this morning the launch of an instant messaging client. Jaiku is similar to Twitter in that they are both "CMPs", that is Conversational Microblogging Platforms. The new IM client works with Jabber-based tools such as Gtalk.

Conversational microblogging is certainly heating up. Twitter is working with MTV, Jaiku is innovating with feeds from friends, Pownce is, well, powncing, and Yappd is working with images as their form of differentiation.

Jaiku claims they are "the leading conversational microblogging platform that enables users to post thoughts and ideas from web and mobile applications, and comment on posts of business associates, friends, and family. The free service offers the use of personality icons, the ability to share your lifestream (webfeeds from Flickr, Del.icio.us, Google, Last FM and blogs), and connectivity 24/7 from mobile and handheld devices."

I don't understand why they request a 3am Eastern embargo when the site is down!