Customers of Alltel Corporation and Verizon Wireless can now access AOL"s popular instant-messaging service by using cell phone text messaging. To activate, users can simply send a blank text message to "AIMAIM". The service makes it possible to send messages with commands to sign on, view buddy lists or change an "away" greeting. Signing out from the mobile version is not automatic when signing on elsewhere, unfortunately. This means you can receive tons of text messages despite being at the computer.
AOL, a unit of Time Warner Incorporated, also unveiled an "AIM Buddy Finder" tool for cell phones with global-positioning capabilities. Users can let friends see their location on MapQuest, another AOL service. However, the traveler must periodically refresh the location and there is a necessary $3-a-month Where service available through Alltel and Sprint Nextel Corporation"s Sprint and Boost Mobile brands.