No IM, MMS For iPhone
The world has been waiting ever so patiently for the release of Apple's iPhone, but, according to industry reports, a "leaked" iPhone manual indicates that iPhone users will not be able to conduct IM conversations with instant messaging users. However, SMS text messages on the iPhone will look like instant messaging. Other non-supported features, according to InformationWeek is a lack MMS messaging for photos and videos. The iPhone is expected to be launched on June 29th.

IM+ 5.0 Available
Shape Services announced a beta test version of IM+ 5.0 that is available to download and test by anyone using a BlackBerry. Using Shape's IM+ 5.0 enables you to connect to a number of public IM networks including MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, AOL IM, ICQ, Google Talk, and Jabber with supported mobile devices. The beta download page also says that the most active beta testers may qualify for an unlimited licence of the software.

Sybase 365 Expands International SMS Presence
Sybase 365 reached an agreement with Global Message Services to provide International SMS to mobile subscribers across the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The agreement allows Sybase 365 to expand into this growing region and offer International SMS services to more than 100 million subscribers across the 11 countries that form the CIS. Subscribers of the mobile operators served by this agreement will be able to send and receive text messages from most parts of the world.

Free VoIP Program Adds AIM, MSN Support
The Gizmo Project, a free VoIP program has added support for both AOL Instant Messenger and MSN Messenger enabling users to communicate with contacts on those networks. Gizmo Project is an Internet telephone that works much like your standard instant messaging interface and allows you to make calls from your desktop for free. Gizmo Project, version 3.1 also supports Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk and Windows Live users. You can download it for Windows. Mac or Linux. 

Group Voice Messaging Service
This week Foonz launched free voice messaging services for groups. This new service is designed to let you to leave a voice message for a group, and then see exactly who has listened to it. Foonz works with any phone from any carrier and lets anyone get a group on a single call or leave group messages at a moment's notice. Anyone can use Foonz messaging by setting up a free account and then creating a Foonz contact list.

Adapted from Instant Messaging Planet.