If you were around during the beginning of instant messaging, then you probably remember ICQ, which set the standard for instant messaging. AOL initially acquired Mirabilis, the Israeli-based company who came up with the program, back in 1996 for $407 million.

Now the company has decided to let it go for just $187.5 million to a Russian investment company, Digital Sky Technologies. I bet this brings back instant messaging memories for many of you.

A new 3D Webcam we heard about earlier this year is set to make the rounds at the Consumer Electronics Show this week, followed by early January sales here in the United States. It is called the Minoru 3D Webcam and it will price around $90 when released.

The Minoru is said to provide a 3D stereoscopic image because it is a single piece with two cameras spaced roughly the same distance apart aside. Strange looking similarities to Wall-E aside, the developer of this Webcam says users will tend to look into the eyes of the camera as they light up – perhaps to suck more cash out of one’s pocket.

AOL launched this morning a Flash-based Web version of its instant messaging AIM service. It is called AIM Express and you need not install any software to make it run.

AIM Express includes as features tabbed IM conversations, status message indicator, text messages to cell phones, rollovers of friend names to see status and compatibility with most popular browsers. The company also unveiled AIM for Windows Mobile, offering functions for phones like the Motorola Q, Samsung BlackJack and many Palm Treos such as status messages, buddy icons and text messaging. It works with devices using the Windows Mobile 5 and 6 operating systems.

AOL