goober Messenger for Mac

All-in-one communicator with extra media tools

Although it looks like a standard instant messenger, goober Messenger combines chat with a range of multimedia and online services. It bundles things like media playback, feed aggregation and low-cost calling into a single package. The suite is ambitious and — for the most part — performs its advertised functions quickly and reliably, even if the number of features can feel overwhelming at first.

Quick setup and account creation

Getting started is straightforward: installation asks you to create an account, a short process that doesn’t require disclosing anything sensitive. Once registered, the app’s top toolbar becomes the primary workspace for accessing contacts, settings and the additional modules.

The top toolbar — your control panel

• Edit and organize your address book.
• Insert and configure widgets to expand the app’s capabilities.
• Add contacts from major instant messaging networks.

These controls live along the top of the window and act as the main navigation hub for the program.

Expandable widgets and additional services

goober Messenger’s widget system is one of its distinguishing features: you can plug in small apps to extend functionality without leaving the messenger. The application also offers:

• Video playback and full multimedia support.
• An RSS aggregator to pull in external news and updates.
• Affordable calling options to mobile networks in many countries.

Note: the current Mac beta build does not yet enable video calling or connections to landlines and mobile numbers; those telephony features are expected in a future release.

Built-in media: radio and television streams

A dedicated “Radio & TV” control lets you browse and play broadcast streams inside the client. Many stations are niche or relatively unknown, but streaming quality is generally solid. Streams can be expanded to full screen with a double-click for a more immersive viewing experience.

Online storage and file access

There’s an integrated online drive for storing files; the free tier provides 200 MB of space. It’s a modest amount, but useful for quick file transfers and backups tied to your account.

Other handy features

• Access to the application settings for customization.
• A native text-messaging interface for sending and receiving SMS-style messages.
• A pay option for sending texts to mobile phones when required.
• The ability to join topic-focused chat rooms and group discussions.

Final assessment

goober Messenger earns credit for creativity and feature depth. If you take advantage of its full set of tools, it becomes a powerful combination of messaging, media playback and basic online storage. The current beta has a few missing telephony features on macOS, but overall it’s a capable and fast package that grows more useful as you explore its widgets and extras.