America Online unveiled a new wireless device yesterday that will let users send and receive AOL instant messages and e-mail.
The move to offer the new product follows a trend over the past year in which large Internet and technology companies such as AOL, Microsoft and Yahoo extended their reach into high-growth, emerging markets such as wireless Internet and interactive television.
The device is manufactured by Research in Motion, maker of the Blackberry e-mail pager device. Dubbed the AOL Mobile Communicator, it will be available to consumers for $329.95, not including AOL's flat monthly fee of $19.95 for unlimited use over BellSouth networks.
The device is equipped with a miniature keyboard and a built-in modem.
