Samsung have now released Samsung ChatOn which is a multi-platform messaging application.

You can download ChatOn on Android, Apple iOS devices and Samsung feature phones,  with Blackberry smartphones to be supported soon.

Samsung ChatOn is free to use , assuming you use WiFi or have a 3G data allowance,  and is easy to setup. To become active on ChatOn you enter your mobile number and then verify the account by responding to a text message.

On install the application will automatically check which of your contacts have ChatOn installed and add them to your contact list inside the application.  

ChatOn then works as you'd expect any instant messaging client meaning you can have text chats with your friends , as well as exchange photos, videos, audio clips and to hold group conversations.

You can download Samsung ChatOn from the Android Market and iTunes right now.