One of the things I like about Ovi Store is finding new apps. That sense of discovery, and the idea of trying some new for the first time. Thinking – whether realistically or not – that I am among the early adopters!

And then there are other times when being part of the in-crowd is the right thing to do. Let’s take Nimbuzz, for instance. The free app from the Netherlands-based company of the same name has now been downloaded more than one million times from Ovi Store by consumers in more than 180 countries around the world. And I am happy to count myself among those who have downloaded – and of course, use – the app.

What’s the big deal? Why so much “buzz” for this app? (Yes, easy pun, I know – sorry about that …) Where to begin? How ’bout we start with this demo of the app on the Nokia N97:

Nimbuzz on your Nokia mobile device is a delight for anyone who is a multi-tasking, mobile-messaging, IM-craving, constantly Twittering, phone-call making, social-networking kind of guy or gal. Phew.

Is there anything you can’t do with this app? It certainly doesn’t seem like it. If you IM online – with whatever major instant-messaging client you use – you can do it just as easily with Nimbuzz on your mobile device. And the app supports multiple IM sessions at once, using a handy tabbed-based layout. In fact, it even syncs with your friends list on Facebook, so if one of your Facebook friends is online, you can chat with them, too. The app even provides pre-written messages (templates) that you can drop into your IM messages, if you need to say something really fast!

In addition to IM, there are myriad chat opportunities, too, where you can join other Nimbuzz users from around the world.

If you want to use VoIP for phone calls, Nimbuzz does that, too. And you can easily send/share photos, files – even video – all within the context of Nimbuzz.

And then, there’s the whole Twitter-integration option within the app, which works beautifully. You can do all of the things you would expect to do with a mobile Twitter client – it’s almost too easy.

Oh, and let’s say this part one more time: Nimbuzz is FREE to download on your Nokia mobile device. It does require Internet access for use, but let’s assume you have an all-inclusive data plan with your device, and then this is a true no-brainer.

So let’s summarize: With Nimbuzz on your Nokia mobile device, you can stay connected to your social life, family and friends with a huge range of tools (from IM to VoIP to Twitter – and more!) all for free. This app has “value prop” written all over it. It’s no wonder that Nimbuzz was the winner in our 2009 “Must -Have App of the Year” Awards for Social Networking apps.

What are you waiting for? Join the millions who have already downloaded Nimbuzz for themselves, and see what you’ve been missing.

How do you Nimbuzz? Let us know how you use the app in the Comments section below.