AOL, GATEWAY DEBUT
WEB APPLIANCE
America Online and Gateway are unveiling a Web device that allows users to access AOL from anywhere in their homes.
"Instant AOL" will provide users with e-mail, instant messaging or content from a touch-screen Web appliance located anywhere in the house. Users will also gain access the AOL address book and a notepad where family members can leave notes for each other.
The system is part of "AOL Anywhere," the company's plan to offer its services regardless of users' location or what device they are using.
Users can operate the Gateway device with a stylus, by pressing a touch screen or with a wireless keyboard that offers short-cut keys to features such as AOL e-mail and instant messaging. Its processor is designed to operate at lower power levels to extend battery life. The devices can access the Internet through a home network, traditional dial-up service or high-speed data connections.
The appliance, which will debut Friday (11/10), is the first result of the pact struck by the ISP and the personal computer maker in April.
In August, Microsoft and Compaq Computers launched a similar device utilizing the MSN Internet service.
According to Forrester Research, about 45 % of U.S. online users will have more than one device to connect to the Web by 2003.
