An unobtrusive tab is provided in a user interface (UI) used in communicating with a contact, for providing a notification of new information, and to enable access to the information or a representation of the information. The items provided in the information pane may also be selectable to enable further information to be displayed, e.g. an application related to or containing the selected item. Various data items can also be associated with items in the information pane in order to enable further content and information to be launched through selection of an item in the information pane. The information pane can be used as an alternative communication channel and portal for sending and receiving data items such as links, pictures, or other attachments to enable sharing between contacts without disrupting or cluttering a conversational exchange or consuming resources in a particular communication medium.
