Updates and fixes, including new patcher and file transfers

Hello buddies,

We've got a fairly large update, and we suggest you read through this whole announcement to get an overview of what's been done.

Be sure to (re-)patch your AIM client, as the new and improved patcher fixes many URLs like AIM Today, news ticker, etc: https://static.nina.chat/distro/NINAPatcher.exe (You may get a false positive from Windows Defender, we're looking into why, but it's a clean exe)

Updates:

•  AIM: File transfers, direct connections, etc (aka rendezvous) now work and require port forwarding on your router/firewall, unless you have PowerTools (see https://nina.chat/donate/#rewards ).

• ICQ: Improvements to older ICQ direct connect features, subject to firewall/router port forwarding, PowerTools proxying coming soon.

• ICQ: Moods and statuses in older ICQ clients should now show

• TOC: Directory search implemented

• TOC: Rendezvous support, including proposal, accepting and cancel

• General: We have the new account system up, you can check it out by logging into the NINA or Escargot websites. It's only the initial version, more features such as multi-account management, supporter status, etc coming soon!

Fixes:

• AIM/ICQ: Issue of some buddies never appearing online is now fixed

• AIM/ICQ: Sessions should persist for WebAPI connections

• MSN: If you are running Windows 11 version 24H2, and can't log in ("contact list not available"), run this patch: https://static.nina.chat/distro/EscargotWin24H2.zip

• ICQ: Improved support for clients which do not support HTML messages, please report any issues (with client version)

Operations:

• The NINA logo is now officially known as Runningma'am, let's give the young lady the recognition she deserves!

Support Us:

Doing all this work and running this service is not cheap, if you aren't already a Patron, please consider supporting us. Support comes with benefits and we have many available options on how to donate, learn more here: https://nina.chat/donate/.