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AOL Dropping RIM for Danger Sidekick

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the danger-sidekick-robinson dept.

Eponymous Meow Word writes "After trying to cut the cord for wireless e-mail with RIM, AOL is pulling the plug on its mobile communicator, citing a move away from its older wireless technology. The disgruntled can get a discount on a shiny new T-Mobile color Sidekick." Wireless email is a rather small niche, and it's cool that current users won't be left high and dry, but it looks like they'll have to pay some money to continue using the service.

2 of 94 comments (clear)

  1. Slashdotted! Article text! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll
    June 13, 2003
    AOL Mobile Communicator Going Dark
    By Craig Newell
    Scoop: Almost a year after cutting off new subscriptions to its wireless communications service, AOL has pulled the plug on its beleaguered handheld device.
    America Online Inc. has notified users of its AOL Mobile Communicator device that their service will be cut off effective August 1.

    The Mobile Communicator device, manufactured by Research in Motion, was introduced in the fall of 2000 at a price of $329.95. To boost sales, AOL later dropped the cost of the device to $99 but increased the monthly subscription fee. The handheld device allowed for wireless access to AOL e-mail and instant messaging via Cingular's Mobitex wireless data network.

    AOL stopped accepting new orders for the Mobile Communicator service in July 2002.

    In an e-mail to Mobile Communicator users, AOL affirmed its commitment to wireless services and cited its AOL Anywhere services, which are available on many wireless phones and for Palm OS. Former Mobile Communicator users will also be eligible for $100 off of the new color T-Mobile Sidekick device, which can access AOL e-mail and instant messaging.

    An America Online spokesperson indicated that the product is being discontinued because of changes in wireless technology and noted the additional features provided in the Sidekick device, including a Web browser and support for gay cybersex chats with Rob Malda on IRC.

    Forrester Research analyst Charles Golvin questioned the demand for wireless e-mail aimed at consumers. "To me, it raises the question, 'For the average consumer, is e-mail on the go such a critical application or is wireless e-mail still an application for the corporate market?'

    "It's testimony that this product didn't see the kind of acceptance that [AOL] had expected," Golvin said.
  2. Mod me down by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Troll

    Mod me down,

    Waste a mod point on a troll.

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