Myspace is attempting to jump further into the instant messaging world with its own IM client. Myspace currently allows instant messaging in its web interface, but this is an actual applications program similar to AIM which runs on the user’s computer. As Rafe Needleman of CNET says, while AIM tries to grab part of the social networking arena from MySpace, MySpace is looking to take over part of the IM market, which AIM dominates.
I don’t know if anyone will jump onto the MySpace IM client. I see the Helios phone becoming more popular than the IM client. Most people are probably happy sending messages and leaving comments on their friend’s profiles.
I think AIM dominates instant messaging because most of their friends are on it and they are so used to using the AIM client. The same is true with social networking. Since most people are used to MySpace it will be hard for someone to come in and convince someone that their product is better. In some cases, the better product does not always win.
September 19th, 2007 at 5:56 am
If you don’t want to install the IM client, you can use http://www.ebuddy.com/#myspace as a webclient.
September 19th, 2007 at 6:03 am
I recently found out that eBuddy now supports webbased MySpace IM (also MSN, Yahoo, AIM, Gtalk), very handy on a Mac or Linux: http://www.ebuddy.com/#myspace