Instant messaging lets us detect whether our friends are busy without our bugging them, and texting lets us ping one another asynchronously.

即时通讯可以让我们在不惹恼我们朋友的前提下就能知道他们是否在忙。 短信使得我们可以不同步地联系到彼此。

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You can construct your own character, whether human or pixie, and talk to your friends on instant messaging as you play.

你可以塑造自己的角色，或人类或妖精，在玩的过程中和你的朋友间发送即时消息聊天。

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I went to the computer and started instant messaging my friends.

我坐到电脑前，开始与朋友们即时聊天。

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Viewers can import their instant-messaging buddy lists and chat online with friends while watching the same programme.

ECONOMIST: The future of television

Using so-called reality instant messaging, a software "robot" monitors what you and your friends are doing--watching the same TV shows on different sets, say, or downloading the same song from Eminem--and links all of you via cell phone.

FORBES: Going Virtual

Instant messaging looks like become the leading method for real-time communications with friends and business associates around the world.

BBC: Messaging in an instant