N900 has IMs and SMSes integrated into one UI, one application. Several protocols are supported, from Skype through Nokia's own Ovi to polish local Gadu Gadu (that via installable plugin). Same with contacts: both GSM and IM contacts are part of normal contact card. Pretty neat feature, but once you see it, it seems pretty much in line with other features. The application's called `Conversations'. Coolest thing ever, if friend's IM profile provides an avatar, it's added to contacts automagically.

Why is Apple hailed for introducing that feature now, when N900 had it in November 2009? Or is it that iPhone gets it better, integrates tighter?

To be honest, my reaction mid-article was literally ``What The Eff? I've been using just that for over a year now on N900; why is it described like a novum?''