November 12, 2001
America Online, Inc., the world's leading interactive services company, and VoiceStream Wireless Corporation, a leading provider of personal communication services, today announced the introduction of a built-in version of the popular AOL(R) Instant Messenger(TM) (AIM) service on a new, stylish Nokia 3390 phone for VoiceStream Wireless customers. This product brings a new level of ease-of-use to the mobile instant messaging arena.
Available exclusively to VoiceStream customers, the new Nokia 3390 with the AIM service is the first mobile phone to include the service as a built-in application. One-click access to instant messaging makes it even easier for consumers to take advantage of fun, two-way mobile instant messaging without having to install or set up any software. To highlight the exclusive nature of the built-in application, the phone is available in an exclusive new Mica Pearl (Gold) color.
Lisa Hook, President of AOL Anywhere, America Online said, "This phone is both the most stylish and most convenient way to stay in touch today. 'IM me' is the catch phrase for teens and other people on the go. With the Nokia 3390 phone with AIM inside, any user with a Screen Name and password will be ready to send instant text messages as soon they leave the store. It doesn't get any easier. Already, AOL audiences send more than 1.2 billion instant messages a day to their friends and loved ones. With this new phone, they'll have that convenience wherever they go -- and they'll always look cool as they stay in touch."
Bob Stapleton, President, VoiceStream Wireless said, "VoiceStream is an ideal choice for AIM users who want to message on the go. The built-in AIM application brings a whole new level of convenience to the marketplace. We're pleased to deliver the first in a series of VoiceStream devices that will feature easy to use mobile access to AOL services."
The AIM service is available on computers, mobile phones and other handheld devices. Its features include the Buddy List(R), which allows users to immediately see on their mobile phone when family and friends are online and available to receive instant messages.
With "mobile" instant messaging, people have a whole new way to use their phone by sending and receiving private text messages with others in real-time. This makes it possible to reach people wherever they are -- on their mobile phone, at home or work on their computer, or using a mobile device -- with the added benefit of "chatting without talking" when discretion during a personal conversation is needed.
Millions of people have made instant messaging a part of their daily lives, and many others are learning how simple, fun and convenient it can be. Some of the many ways mobile instant messaging is beneficial:
-- Chat Without Talking -- Many public places including
restaurants have restrictions on talking on mobile phones. Mobile instant messaging is ideal in those situations when you need to reach someone quickly and discreetly;
-- See When Contacts Are Available -- With the Buddy List feature, you can see if someone you need to reach is online and available to communicate -- right from your phone or other mobile device. It comes in handy whether you just need to send a fast update or let someone know that you'll be calling them soon;
-- Peace-of-Mind -- In a recent poll, 56% of AOL members said they would feel more at ease knowing that their family could reach them through instant messaging or e-mail on a two-way pager or similar mobile device anytime throughout the day or night; and
-- Stay in Touch -- Even while the plane's boarding, busy travelers can use their mobile device to send a message and reach family members wherever they are. And for teenagers and college students, mobile phones with instant messaging makes a perfect holiday gift. In a recent poll of AOL members, more than 35% of parents said they would consider buying a two-way device so they could keep in touch with their kids while they are away at school.
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