IMessage vs iChat, Front Row

Question

I understand that Mountain Lion has removed iChat from its software, but would iMessage allow you to video chat with the same contacts as iChat had? Also, how do you view your iChat contacts as a list in iMessage (basically how can I see who is online?).
Are there any Front Row alternatives out there that are basically the same thing as Front Row?

Answer 1

Hi,
System Preferences > Mail, Contacts and Calendars
This Preferences Pane  may well list your "iChat Accounts" and have them Enabled for Messages.
Of they are  they should appear in Messages menu > Preferences > Accounts.
They may need to be Enabled here.
IF you have several AIM or Jabber Names and IDs or you have the Bonjour Account Enabled then the defaults is for a Combined List (See Window Menu  > Buddies (CMD + 1) )
You can unlink the Buddy lists by going to Messages > Preferences > General Section and unticking the line about gathering all the accounts in to one list.
This will result in the Window Menu list all the Non iMessage Accounts with their own CMD + #
As you have probably worked out the "Messages Window' is both Chat window and interface.
It has a New Message icon (Square box with Pencil) top left
After you use this a Blue + iCon appears top right
Using this gives you access to Contacts (Formerly Address Book) directly, Groups in the Contacts List and Buddies
This Buddies drop down is all your Buddies from all your Accounts that are On Line.
8:47 PM      Wednesday; September 26, 2012
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