ICQ, the wholly-owned instant messaging service of America Online, Inc., has launched ICQ 2001b, offering new wireless messaging tools in addition to new ways for users to manipulate the service. Since its pioneering role in offering the first Internet instant messaging software in 1996, ICQ has evolved into a communications portal with more than 115 million registered users worldwide.

The new version of ICQ allows users to send SMS text messages in three ways: from ICQ to the cellular phone and back, from the ICQ Web messaging center site to the cellular phone and back and from any e-mail client to the cellular phone. Although the cellular phones receiving these messages must be SMS-enabled, the recipients do not need to be ICQ members.

ICQ also supports two-way SMS text messaging on select GSM enabled carriers and non-GSM networks around the world and allows users to send messages to wireless pagers.

The new version also offers multiple enhancements to the service including more control over user privacy and greater customization options to tailor the service to users' individual needs. Users can switch between simple or advanced modes, choose colors and sounds, and download new "skins."

Other new features include:

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Because the ICQ contact list in 2001b resides on the ICQ server, users can now access their contacts anywhere, using any computer or mobile device, such as cellular phones and PDAs. New shared files, in addition to the existing file transfer functionality, let ICQ users share directories and files with their friends, and ICQ also offers a free e-mail service and ICQ Homepages for all registered users.

ICQ was created in 1996 by the Israel-based company, Mirabilis, and acquired by the Dulles, Va.-based AOL in 1998. ICQ is now part of AOL Web Properties, an online network featuring Netscape, CompuServe, AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, MapQuest and MovieFone. The AOL Web properties network reaches the widest audience on the Internet representing more than 75 percent of Internet audience at work or home.

"ICQ continues to raise the bar with the most powerful and convenient features for a truly unique communications experience. With the new 2001b client, ICQ members can tailor the service to their own needs, communicate with more people in more places and in more ways than ever before, and rely on it wherever they go," said Jim Bankoff, president of AOL Web Properties.