Shape has released IM+ for Windows 8 to compliment the already available free IM+ app on the platform. The pro version of the popular messaging service sports a number of features that aren't available in the standard free app that's available. In both apps, major IM services are supported, including MeinVZ, Jabber, Fetion, Renren, SINA Weibo, Mamba.Ru, Yandex chat and more.

As well as the above, IM+ Pro enables users to send text messages and photos in conversations. The app supports group chats in Skype, AIM and ICQ, and allows one to add multiple accounts per service. Personal status messages can be configured to reveal current mood and application appearance can be customised.

As a minor addition, IM+ Pro supports typing notifications and the team has noted that further improvements will be applied in future updates. IM+ is also available for Windows Phone, so if you're into expanding such functionality to the mobile platform, it's certainly possible.

You can download IM+ and IM+ Pro from the Windows Store for free and $4.99 respectively.