June 28, 2007

By By Antony Bruno, Denver

The music industry is embracing a Web-based instant messaging online chat feature provided by Meebo.

The tool allows users to instantly create IM-based chat rooms to not only send messages, but also view the same media files in real time, such as music videos or audio files. With the tool, users need not visit the same Web site to access the same media.

Record labels integrating the new technology include Capitol Records, Columbia Records, Fearless Records, Flyer Records, Hollywood Records, Island Def Jam Music Group, iSound, Jive Records, Universal Motown/Universal Republic, Virgin Records.

In addition, music-based web services like MOG, Radio One, Inc., RockYou, The Hype Machine also use the service, as do VH1, VIBE Magazine and Vice Magazine's VBS.tv.

Finally, several artists have added it to their individual sites, including Aly and AJ, Fabolous, Kelly Rowland, Korn, Lil Mama, MIMS, and T-Pain.

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