AT&T Wireless Services Inc. plans today to launch the Ogo wireless-messaging device.
Ogo, targeted at teens and young adults, supports AOL, MSN and Yahoo!, allowing users to instant message, e-mail and send short message service messages. It does not include voice support.
The clamshell-style device flips open to reveal a Qwerty-style keypad, a joystick pad and a large color screen. The keypad includes “hot keys” that enable one-button access to major messaging functions like read, compose, access contact list, insert emoticon, and view all messages.
“With Ogo, we are creating an entirely new category and the next `must have’ device in the consumer electronics space,” said Andre Dahan, president of AT&T Wireless’ mobile multimedia services.
“Unlike many of today’s disappointing multi-purpose wireless devices, we created Ogo to do one thing-mobile messaging-extraordinarily well,” added Dahan. Ogo doesn’t pretend to be `all things to all people,’ and is not bogged down by hardly used features or an out-of-reach price tag. Instead, Ogo offers the most desirable mobile applications, on a smartly designed device that most people can afford.”
Dahan said AWS also believes Ogo will appeal to parents that want to “reclaim” their home computers from their IM-loving teens.
A low price point and no contract requirement may give Ogo an edge over its handheld and smart-phone competitors, at least in its target market. The device costs $99 after a $30 mail-in rebate, and unlimited messaging plans start at $18 per month.
Plans for the messaging device became known earlier this month, when its manufacturer, Taiwan-based Chi Mei Communication Systems Inc., filed documents with the Federal Communications Commission.
