A new beta version of one of the most flexible instant messaging tools available, Trillian, has been released. Like previous versions of the program, Trillian 5 Beta enables you to conduct chats with users of AIM, Windows Live, Yahoo!, Google, Facebook Chat, Jabber, Skype and more with ease, and a number of exciting enhancements and refinement have also been added.

Anyone who has used Trillian before will immediately notice the more streamlined appearance of the latest release. The interface is more compact that in previous versions, and the program is now fully compatible with Windows 7.

The streamlining of the interface does not means that features have been scrimped on – and makes it ideal for anyone working with a smaller screened computer such as a netbook. There is now support for LinkedIn and Foursquare, and the latter can take advantage of GPS support in Windows 7. Facebook and Twitter support has been enhanced so it is easier than ever to tweet and update your status from the program.

With many people now working with more than one computer, it is good to see the inclusion of synchronised chat histories. This means that should you be chatting on one computer and someone sends you a link, you don’t need to write it down or remember to bookmark the site as your chat will be available on any other computer you use with Trillian 5 installed – unfortunately, this feature is yet to be enabled in the current beta, but it will be available very soon.

From a fresh install, Trillian is incredibly customiseable, and there a wide range of different views to choose from depending on how much information you want to see at any one time. Skins and plugins are available for the application, making it possible to completely personalise your instant messaging experience.

There have also be performance improvements, so if you have found Trillian to be a little slow in previous versions, this beta version should be noticeably quicker. Trillian is a great online portal which provides access to your contacts, social networks and news feeds all under one roof. It’s a instant messaging client that just keeps improving.