CNET Editors' review
IMVU is "the world's largest 3D Chat and Dress-Up community." Launched in 2004, Instant Messaging Virtual Universe is simple in concept: Combine the social networking power of IM chat with a 3D virtual "universe." Participants create elaborate new identities, called avatars, that give free rein to self-expression. As with other virtual communities, you can make friends among IMVU's millions of users. But IMVU is much more than a 3D chat room: it's a real simulated world (or the real world, simulated). You can design, make, buy, and sell things like clothes and accessories, earn credit in IMVU's virtual economy, and get noticed. It's a fun way to learn stuff like how to run a small business or market a product, too.
Signing up for IMVU is easy and starts with choosing a free avatar. There are nine each of male and female avatars to choose from, and you can choose from either set; on IMVU, you can't judge anyone or take anything for granted, and you have to interact with people to learn about them. The avatars are all young, attractive, and a bit edgy, but in different (and good) ways. To create a screen name and password, you'll have to provide some info, such as date of birth and a valid email address. There's also a security question to make sure you're not a machine. We're not going to bore you or amuse you with our personal exploits, except to say we're all noobs once. We had no problems whatsoever with IMVU's interface or with the people we met. But, like a lot of things, you have to experience IMVU to understand it. There's a lot to do and to learn, including a whole subculture. A Google image search will let you peep through IMVU's portal, if you're curious.
Social media users have more or less hidden behind avatars and screen names since the bulletin board days; IMVU simply takes it to new levels. It keeps growing because it's a look at things to come. That, and it's fun. It's not for everyone (yet) but it's free, so see it for yourself!
Publisher's Description
From IMVU:
Meet New People in 3D - Chat in 3D, hang out and have fun in thousands of animated 3D rooms. With tens of thousands of new people joining IMVU each day, you'll never run out of new people to meet. Shop and Dress Up in Style - Pick your look and shop IMVU's catalog of more than 6 million items. Browse for the latest clothes, shoes, hairstyles, accessories, and more. Try on anything you want for free. It's fun and easy. Design and Decorate Your Space - Create the experience you've always wanted. Pick your scene, furniture and accessories and then use them to decorate your own 3D space. Invite other members to visit your room. Host your own party! Make and Sell Your Own Designs - Share your creativity! Create your own 2D and 3D designs, and sell them right in IMVU's catalog. You can make fashion, furniture, rooms and more. Become a star designer and post your creations in the IMVU catalog.
What's new in this version: Version 472.0 fixes address some instability issues with Walk Off and crash on start up for some users.
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All versions:
3.4 starsout of 47 votes
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Current version:
1.0 starsout of 1 votes
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My rating:
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"Don't download"
Version: IMVU 472.0
Pros
There were no pros
Cons
I just put back 486.8, which is not great, but this one would not even let me on, just kept crashing. I did try to re-install and the same thing happened. I am diligent about my maintenance so it was not that. I have a 4gb, 64 bit win7 lappy.
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