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Yahoo (YHOO) announced Sunday it would introduce some new features to its e-mail program that will enable those using their computer to text message from their key board to a cell phone. It will be available in the U.S., Canada, the Phillippines and India starting today.

The new feature will make it easier to send messages without needing to open more than one application or device, via e-mail, text message or instant messages.

For users who prefer not to upgrade or whose computers need more speed to use the service, they are given the option to opt out, and keep the version they now use. The former version will be dubbed "Classic."

With the new version a user is given the option of which way they want to communicate with the recipient of the message. You simply click on the contact and make your choice, depending if they're on a computer or cell phone.

This seems like a move to involve parents in the service more than anything, who are more apt to want to contact their children by a computer rather than typing on a dial pad.

It's not a bad strategy, as older users are slow to abandon a service once they get used to it.

Mike McGuire, an analyst for research firm Gartner, says "This is a realization that we don't just use e-mail to communicate anymore. We all now have cellphones and instant messaging, and both can do text messages. This is a valuable feature that enhances the platform."