Half-step forward, two steps back?
AOL is tying its Instant Messenger to the Short Messaging Service (SMS) used in mobile phones. This is a good move. Problem is, it is incredibly hard to use and doesn't allow the mobile to respond to messages (curtailing any actual thumbtribe-building through AIM).
What AOL needs is a totally integrated IM that serves as a virtual space for groups based on digital identity, using an intelligent client to render messages on any device (two-way SMS messaging being a given) and puts it all in context for review and use later -- then it is a business tool as well as a cool consumer feature. They need what Marc talks about.
Posted by Mitch Ratcliffe at December 31, 2002 01:28 PM | TrackBack