Samsung's New Phone Takes AIM

Wireless handset will feature AOL's instant messaging service when it debuts later this month.

Samsung Telecommunications America said Wednesday that it is integrating America Online's instant message service into its new cellular phone, allowing users to check the availability of online "buddies" and send and receive messages without uttering a word.

America Online's AIM service will be integrated into Samsung's new SGH-r225M phone, which will be available to U.S. consumers later this month.

The SGH-r225M is the latest offering from Samsung featuring a range of personalization options such as allowing users to assign colors to incoming calls from selected numbers.

IM Explosion

The inclusion of AIM on the new handset speaks to the growing popularity of instant messaging, Samsung says, and offers users the ability to send private messages when they do not want to be overheard speaking on the phone.

Users of the service will be able to IM buddies whether they are on mobile phones, home computers or other mobile devices, according to Samsung Telecommunications America, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics.

For AOL, the deal is an extension of its strategy to offer services beyond the desktop. The Internet services company has struck similar deals with handset makers Nokia and Motorola, says a spokesperson in Dulles, Virginia.

Would you recommend this story? YES NO

Recommend:
0 Comments

Subscribe to the Smart Phone News Newsletter - weekly

See All Newsletters »

Lenovo Laptop Deals

ThinkPad Edge E420 Lenovo Style in an Affordable Package
Buy now direct from Lenovo
ThinkPad X220 Fast and light, with great input ergonomics and battery life, this powerhouse ultraportable is best-of-breed.
Buy now direct from Lenovo
ThinkPad X120e One of the best netbooks ever, X120e has the best netbook keyboard ever--nothing else comes close
Buy now direct from Lenovo

Name	City

Address 1	State	Zip

Address 2	E-mail (optional)