FCC Lifts AOL IM Limits

TypoNAM writes "'The Federal Communications Commission has agreed to lift restrictions that have barred AOL Time Warner from offering advanced instant messaging services including videoconferencing, according to a source familiar with the decision.'" A couple of years ago, the FCC made a big fuss about how it was watching out for the public interest in approving the AOL/TW merger.

Comments

talking heads now ask for your passwords!

[thnmnt]

...i'm much more likely to give my info to a smiling face!

Relax, buddy

[justinburt]

Michael,

Relax, buddy. "Why even have laws" (as dept.)? This decision is fundamentally about allowing a company to incorporate videoconferencing capabilities into its own software.

They're not dismantling your beloved welfare state just yet. Don't freak out on us. Although I suppose the whole purpose of having laws is to keep the evil corporations from eating our children, right? So perhaps your concern is justified.

Justin

IM is for nancies

[CausticWindow]

Real men use SMS (because real girls don't use IM).

yay?

[TheCyko1]

After seeing what QTPie123 looked like through a web cam, i can't say this is a good idea

*shudders* so many chins...

Re:Great

[notque]

But, if they implement it into their network, it can be cloned more or less as eaisly as the AIM service itself was cloned. Imagine, a conversation with your girlfriend's iChat A/V from your linux box with Gaim.

Girlfriend? What are these girlfriends you speak of?

I am imagining A/V chat on Gaim for my new D&D Half-Orc Paladin-Wizard!

Re:Great

[Xerithane]

Here is a general letter for software Linux coders can offer to port:

Dear Steve,
My name is ______(your name, try not to use a gay sounding handle) and I am a Linux programmer. I can't afford an Apple, but I saw iChat at a local ____________(insert computer store name). I would like to port this software to Linux, on a free work-for-hire basis. If you could also send me a _______________ (expenses hardware, like: firewire webcam) for testing, I would appreciate it. I can't afford this hardware, which is necessary for proper compability. I will send it back in the same condition upon completion of the project. My only desire is to bring this great software to Linux, which I fondly refer to as "Apple for the poor hippies."

Sincerely,
____________ (Your name, try to keep it the same as above)