AT&T Wireless Services Inc. launched Monday 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.<
