- If you have an active conversation open in AIM and need to leave the computer for some reason, IM Forwarding allows you to continue the conversation by sending all your incoming messages to your mobile phone as text messages. When the IM Forwarding feature is being used, a blue icon appears in your contacts' Buddy Lists next to your Username. This icon informs them that you are now chatting via mobile phone.
- AOL Instant Messenger, or AIM, is an instant messaging program first released by AOL in 1997. AIM software is available for both Mac and PC computers, as well as for mobile phones with Windows, Apple, Android, and BlackBerry operating systems. There is a stand-alone AIM application available for the iPhone that was debuted in 2008. Also in 2008, AOL released a new version of AIM developed specifically for Mac computers.
- There are a variety of different cell phone service carriers that are compatible with AIM's IM Forwarding feature. Any carrier that offers two-way instant messaging will allow you to receive and reply to AIM messages as if they were traditional text messages. Compatible carriers include Verizon, Virgin Mobile, AT&T, Boost Mobile, Sprint, and T-Mobile. AOL doesn't charge for the use of the IM Forwarding feature, but certain carriers may charge you standard text messaging fees to use it.
- IM Forwarding is useful for a number of reasons, not the least of which is convenience. In day-to-day life, countless situations can arise to interrupt IM conversations. For example, you might have a prior engagement that requires you to leave the house at a certain time. IM Forwarding lets you carry on important conversations in spite of such interruptions. There is one downside to IM Forwarding, however. It doesn't allow you to begin new IM conversations from your phone, only continue ongoing ones.
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