AOL to add instant messaging features to their latest Web mail offering

AOL to add instant messaging features to their latest Web mail offering

Google started the trend by integrating their Google Talk messenger with the Gmail webmail service. Yahoo! recently added integrated Yahoo! Messenger to their Yahoo! Beta Mail service.

The latest to join this trend is AOL which has revealed their plans to update their webmail service offering with an expanded integrated instant messaging capability.

AOL is also due to launch a new Vista-compatible instant messaging client and toolbar.

Interestingly, AOL Mail has supported their instant messaging service since quite some time but the updated edition would enable their users to see and be able to access their AOL instant messaging buddy list within the Web mail interface.

AOL Mail users would also be able to choose between sending a message via mail or instant message. Frequently contacted members on the address book would be highlighted to make them easily accessible.