IMPlanet News Briefs

IM, Media Players Top Means for Internet Access : "A recent survey by Nielsen//NetRatings has found that instant messaging clients are one of the chief ways that Americans use Internet services.
According to the firm, 76 percent of active Internet users access the Internet using a non-browser-based Internet application. Topping the list is Windows Media Player, followed by AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger Servics. Real Networks' Real Player rounded out the top five.
In terms of active user reach, AOL Instant Messenger had a 20 percent share. NetRatings found that MSN Messenger Service had a 19 percent share, while Yahoo! Messenger Service reached 12 percent of active Internet users."

SAD: The last statistic is the more interesting when trying to distinguish the public IM leader -- given Microsoft bundling/tying MSN into Hotmail, passport, etc.; usage is a more interesting measurement than users for this purpose (assuming you have faith in the stats model)