MySpace to Release IM Client?
Monday, March 13, 2006
MySpace is about to release their own instant messenger client, MySpace Messenger (beta). Their website includes details that the software will include notification for friend requests, messages, and comments. The page also includes screenshots of the new service. This is yet another great move by MySpace, since when people aren't using MySpace, they are using e-mail and IM to communicate. However, releasing a stand-along client seems a tad barbaric considering that there are so many of them!According to Om Malik, the new messenger client appears to be devolped by New York-based, .IM. Om goes onto say that since it looks to be based on the Sonork platform, MySpace may integrate IM right into MySpace profiles. Should companies like Yahoo, Microsoft, and AOL worry? They'd be fools not to be. This could allow MySpace to generate even more advertising revenue by having advertising within the program, although it appears to be ad-free.
Update: It appears that this prorgam will integrate with other IM protocols. You can now activate MySpace Messenger.
Update 2: For some reason, MySpace is now having the MySpace Messenger homepage redirect to their website. MySpace is now asking people to sign in and activate their messaging accounts.
