The service is being developed alongside the existing MySpace instant messaging feature which accounts for 20% of MySpace’s site traffic. Additionally, users can now use their URL profile name as their e-mail address. (For example, Myspace.com/SmartCompany becomes SmartCompany@Myspace.com).
The accounts come with an unlimited amount of storage space, compared to Gmail which comes with just over 7GB. The service is also compatible with MySpace accounts, allowing users to embed photos directly from their profiles, search within mail using “Google Gears” and look at friends’ activities within the e-mail client itself.
Regarding privacy, MySpace has said that it has “always taken a holistic approach to privacy and Mail is no exception”.
“MySpace Mail empowers users to be as open or as private as they choose. Just like traditional mail, users can choose to receive messages from anyone whether they are in the MySpace network or not, while enhanced privacy features enable users to receive mail from only their MySpace ‘friends.’ Leading anti-spam technology and virus scanning ensure a safe, spam-free mail experience.”
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
