Instant Messaging on your BlackBerry from AOL/Yahoo

Research in Motion (RIM) has inked deals with Yahoo and AOL to bring instant messaging to the RIM BlackBerry devices. Within a few months RIM will include Yahoo Messenger (YM) pre-installed on their devices. Also soon to be supported; AIM, ICQ, and AOL Mail. Not the greatest news for people who use the ever-so-popular MSN Messenger, but it’s a step in the right direction.

In addition the BlackBerry Connect service will be introduced to Windows Mobile devices produced by Taiwanese smart phone developer HTC.

Pricing for the instant messaging system has not yet been announced; let’s hope they don’t adopt a per-message payment system like the current SMS.