[AOL announces a beta version of AOL MyMobile giving users easy access to AOL services through their mobile handsets.]

Las Vegas -- AOL today announced the availability of a beta version of AOL MyMobile, a new application designed to give users easy access to popular AOL services through their mobile devices. The company also announced today enhancements to AOL Mobile Search that now enable easy access to the service for BlackBerry device users, as well as the extension of the AIM TXT shortcode service across all major carriers in the U.S. These and other AOL services for mobile devices will be demonstrated at this week's CTIA Wireless show in Las Vegas.

"As we work to expand our global audience and provide consumers with easy access to our products no matter where they are, we've significantly improved the performance of our core consumer mobile products, we're introducing new, more modular products, and we're very focused on the importance of our new open mobile initiative," said Kevin Conroy, Executive Vice President of AOL.

"Whether you're looking for a more feature-rich application that you can download to your phone, an easy-to-navigate WAP experience or quick and easy SMS-based features, AOL Mobile offers consumers greater choice," said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice President of AOL. "The products we're announcing today continue our drive to deliver best-of-breed wireless services for consumers."

AOL MyMobile Now Available

Beginning today, Windows Mobile users in the U.S. can download AOL MyMobile, a new interactive suite of services designed specifically for mobile devices. AOL MyMobile provides personalized access to AOL's most popular services including AIM, AOL Mail, AOL CityGuide, Moviefone, MapQuest, AOL Local Search, AOL News, Weather, AOL Sports and AOL Pictures. More than just stand-alone services, these applications also work together, enabling users to find information and take action without having to leave AOL MyMobile.

AOL MyMobile's easy-to-use carousel navigation, along with drop-down lists and intuitive menus, enables users to easily scroll through the applications and content most important to them for access to key mobile services. The software learns and remembers user favorites and recent requests to enhance the experience with each use. The application even allows users to access saved directions, search results, restaurant details and more when they are offline or outside their coverage area.

Built using Action Engine's on-device portal technology, a beta version of AOL MyMobile is available now to Windows Mobile users across all major networks in the U.S. The application can be downloaded by entering http://wap.aol.com/mymobile into their phone's browser, then selecting 'Get AOL MyMobile BETA.' AOL MyMobile will be available for other popular mobile operating systems in the coming months.

AOL Mobile Search

AOL Mobile Search delivers comprehensive and more relevant search results by bringing together content from across the Web and mobile Web, as well as from Moviefone, MapQuest, AOL CityGuide and other AOL services.

At this week's CTIA Wireless show, AOL will preview a version of AOL Mobile Search designed specifically for the Apple iPhone and the phone's Safari browser. By combining AJAX technology and the iPhone's easy to use multi-touch surface, AOL has created a user interface that allows the richness of the Web to be delivered on a phone. A beta version of AOL Mobile Search for the iPhone will be available at http://search.aol.com/ beginning in mid-April.

In addition, starting today, BlackBerry users can now easily install a new AOL Mobile Search icon to their device's Home Screen. The icon can be obtained by going to AOL Search on the Web (http://search.aol.com) and typing 'BlackBerry' into the search box. The link to download the search icon will be sent to the user's BlackBerry device via an SMS message. Clicking on the icon will automatically launch AOL Mobile Search, making it easy and more convenient for users to find exactly what they're looking for while on-the-go.

AIM TXT: Expanded Availability Across All Major Networks

AOL's new AIM TXT service, which delivers AIM instant messaging functionality through text messaging on a user's cell phone, is now available to users across all major networks in the U.S. including Alltell, AT&T Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and Verizon Wireless. By sending a text to the AIMAIM shortcode (246246) and using simple commands, users on these networks can perform key AIM functions including logging in and logging out of AIM; sending instant messages; updating their AIM Status Message; setting their availability; viewing their Buddy List; and more.

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