AOL launches portal for mobile internet uses

America Online, which has just renamed itself to AOL, has launched a portal specifically designed for usage on the mobile platform. This is just the latest of the many initiatives from the company to lure in the growing number of customers who access the internet through mobile devices like a PDA or a mobile phone.

This platform is currently available to customers of the Sprint Nextel mobile phone service and combines searches for web, shopping and local content. Users would also be able to access other AOL services like Instant Messenger and AOL Mail.

AOL would be optimizing the content and images on this portal for the mobile phones. The company is aiming to make this portal a “one-stop-shop” that integrates search, messaging, mail and even picture services for their mobile users.

Sprint customers would also be able to download a mobile version of AOL’s Instant Messenger to stay in touch with their online buddies on the move.