New, Enhanced Version Makes it Easier and More Affordable to Send E-mail and Instant Messages Anytime, Anywhere
DULLES, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE via COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Aug 15, 2001--Special Contest Celebrating Popularity of Mobile Instant Messaging at the ''Music Mania at Macy`s with DKNY Jeans'' Event
America Online, Inc., the world`s leading interactive services company, today announced the availability of new, improved software for the AOL Mobile Communicator(TM), adding a new level of convenience to the two-way messaging device designed for easy access to the popular AOL instant messaging and e-mail services.
The AOL Mobile Communicator software, version 1.1, has been enhanced based on member feedback to make it even easier to stay connected to others throughout the day. Enhancements include faster display of e-mail messages, time and date stamps on instant messages, more customization of ''away notices,'' easier navigation and keyboard shortcuts, and better indication of low coverage areas. Also, beginning today, AOL members can purchase the device at AOL Keyword: AOL Mobile Communicator for $99.95 with a monthly service fee of $29.95 for unlimited use.
''Communicating online with family, friends, and co-workers has become an essential part of peoples` lives. Every day, AOL`s 30 million members send up to 650 million instant messages and 225 million e-mails. Now, those members want to expand the medium`s role in their lives even further with the kind of anytime, anywhere access that the AOL Mobile Communicator and other `AOL Anywhere` devices provide,'' said Lisa Hook, President, AOL Mobile.
''The AOL Mobile Communicator puts the power of the interactive medium right in consumers` hands and helps them manage their busy lives with an easy and convenient way to stay in touch with friends, family and co-workers throughout the day. Our top priority in designing the latest software enhancements to the AOL Mobile Communicator was listening to our members and delivering added convenience and improvements they wanted to make the product more valuable, along with a great new price to appeal to all members,'' added Hook.
Interest in mobile communications is on the rise with an increasing desire by online consumers for more convenient and flexible ways to reach others. New, two-way mobile devices such as the AOL Mobile Communicator are at the top of gift lists for anyone with an active lifestyle who appreciates discreet and easy communication.
Already as many as 44% of AOL members access their accounts while away from home,(2) and everyone from moms on the go to teenagers to business professionals are interested in using two-way mobile devices to stay connected throughout the day. Parents can use the product while commuting to work on the bus, during their child`s soccer game, at the airport and in other daily situations when they need to chat without talking. In a recent poll of America Online (AOL) members, 68% said they have been in a situation where they wanted to get in touch with someone, but couldn`t make a phone call.(3) Beyond mobile convenience is added peace-of-mind -- a recent AOL poll also revealed that 56% of AOL members surveyed said they would feel more at ease knowing that their family could reach them through e-mail or instant messaging on a two-way pager anytime throughout the day or night.(3)
The AOL Mobile Communicator offers the freedom of staying in touch anywhere at an affordable price, including college students and teens who are enthusiastic about instant messaging. In addition, for those who want to be able to access their online accounts from another point in the home, the AOL Mobile Communicator allows two Screen Names to be signed on to an AOL account from different devices at the same time. Members can now easily avoid waiting in line for someone else to get off the computer.
Enhancements to the AOL Mobile Communicator software include:
-- Enhanced e-mail displays the complete text message instantly, and users can compose and send e-mail without waiting for the previous message to be sent;
-- Expanded instant messaging features with time and date stamps on each message, more choices to customize ''away notices,'' and the ability to delete all instant message conversations with one click;
-- Better indication of low coverage areas and improved signal strength -- a new coverage indicator will flash when the device detects congestion on the wireless network and will alert users if an e-mail cannot be sent;
-- Streamlined navigation, including keyboard shortcuts that allow members to easily perform certain functions without opening the menu, and the ability to change Screen Names directly from the AOL Mobile Communicator device;
-- Product information is available online at an updated AOL Keyword: AOL Mobile Communicator, which includes instructions for activating the device, a product demonstration, comprehensive user guide, and frequently asked questions.
The AOL Mobile Communicator device also offers special, member-selected safety controls, including the ability to set an additional password that is different from the password required to sign on to the AOL desktop service. Parents who want to enjoy the comfort of staying in constant touch with their children, also can use AOL`s Parental Controls to limit some of the access their children or teens have on the AOL Mobile Communicator based on specific preferences.
AOL Mobile Communicator Contest Celebrates Popularity of Mobile Instant Messaging
As a special part of its launch efforts, the AOL Mobile Communicator is one of the sponsors of the upcoming ''Music Mania at Macy`s w/DKNY Jeans'' outdoor concert in Herald Square, New York City on Sunday, August 19, which features artists DREAM, LMNT, Joey McIntyre, and Willa Ford. AOL will also be featuring information about the event, participating musicians, and will be showcasing a Webcast of the concert, beginning August 24th and available through the end of the month, at AOL Keyword: AOL Mobile Communicator. Adding to the festivities, concert goers will also have the opportunity to enter to win an AOL Mobile Communicator for themselves and up to 25 people on their AOL Buddy List(R).
About the AOL Mobile Communicator
Manufactured by Research in Motion, based in Waterloo, Ontario, and the AOL Mobile Communicator weighs just 4.1 ounces, features a six-line display with a back-light option, a time and date display, and several choices of tone alerts. The lightweight and compact device can easily be carried on the hip or slipped into a purse, briefcase, diaper bag or backpack and features a mini-keyboard that allows for quick and easy text input. The AOL Mobile Communicator device runs on Cingular`s nationwide wireless data network.
Available to members of the America Online service, the AOL Mobile Communicator makes it convenient to send and receive e-mail and instant messages with family members, friends and other contacts who use the AOL service or the AOL Instant Messenger(SM) service.
AOL members can use the AOL Mobile Communicator product with their existing AOL Screen Name, and the monthly service fee offers unlimited wireless access to AOL`s e-mail and instant messaging features. Ordering information is available online at AOL Keyword: AOL Mobile Communicator.
Press materials and images of the AOL Mobile Communicator are available to press online at AOL KW: Product Profiles. Contact Kate Hawken for more information at: 703/265-7841.
About America Online, Inc.
America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Time Warner, Inc. (NYSE: AOL). Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world`s leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services.
(1)AOL Mobile Communicator Satisfaction Survey
(2)Source: America Online @plan Survey Summer 2001
(3)Source: America Online/DMS Survey Spring 2001
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