• On TechRepublic: Why VISTA HATERS will love Windows 7
August 20, 2008 6:00 AM PDT

AOL revs Web-based AIM to version 7

by Stephen Shankland

AOL has upgraded its AIM Express software, an online Flash-based application that replicates many of the features of the regular downloadable software (add your own review here).

Among the new AIM Express 7.0 features are tabbed conversations, status messages, text-message support to communicate with buddies' mobile phones, and compatibility with Microsoft's Internet Explorer 6 and 7, Mozilla's Firefox 2 and 3, and Apple's Safari 2 and 3.

The software is an example of the growing utility and sophistication of Web-based applications. Instant messaging, though, is somewhat more amenable to the task: it doesn't require the heavy processing burden of a spreadsheet, and not being able to work while offline isn't a big deal given that the whole point of IM is to chat with contacts on the network. Moving applications online poses some compatibility issues with various browsers or with software foundations such as Flash, but it can sidestep myriad other compatibility issues such as operating-system compatibility.

AOL also announced a new version of AIM for phones using the Windows Mobile operating system, including the Motorola Q, Samsung BlackJack, and some Palm Treo models. CNET Download.com editor Jessica Dolcourt reviewed the AIM for Windows Mobile phones beta in June.

Originally posted at Webware
Stephen Shankland writes about a wide range of technology and products, but has a particular focus on browsers and digital photography. He joined CNET News in 1998 and since then also has covered Google, Yahoo, servers, supercomputing, Linux and open-source software, and science. E-mail Stephen, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/stshank.
Recent posts from Digital Media
Wife exposes chief spy's personal life on Facebook
Seattle fire knocks out service to Bing Travel, other sites
DOJ opens formal investigation into Google Books settlement
Ad industry groups agree to privacy guidelines
Microsoft chucks vomit ad
Jammie Thomas will appeal, lawyer says
Usenet.com ruling, a 'whittling down' of Betamax defense
Microsoft resorts to vomit to market IE 8
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (8 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
by jscott418 August 20, 2008 6:53 AM PDT
Does anybody still use AIM? IS AOL ever going to just die? My apologize to any AOL user's still out there. Take no offense but I have yet to use a good piece of software from AOL in a very long time.
Reply to this comment
by Ilgaz August 20, 2008 8:33 AM PDT
Based on market research, it is the most popular IM client especially in USA. Don't take your neighbours, nerd friends as basis while claiming something is dead.
Another good example... Would you believe MS Office 08 is the most popular selling Mac software at Amazon right after OS X Leopard? Check yourself.
by JoyceNgo-218335993631273378369 August 20, 2008 12:41 PM PDT
What does MS Office 08 and Mac have to do with anything.. I don't get how it works. that was a bad example, no offense. By the way people who use AIM don't always use AOL, even though AOL made AIM. . And besides, you said on Amazon. That's only one site. ..

And what's with the "nerd friends"? You don't have to have nerd friends to tell you this. You can have dimwits tell you the same.
by fatray August 20, 2008 8:02 AM PDT
The only people that use it are the not so tech savvy AFAIK. All my friends and family use it. I refuse to use it at all.
Reply to this comment
by Ilgaz August 20, 2008 8:34 AM PDT
If AOL moves to XMPP/Jabber (they already run tests), it will be a major revolution on IM market.
by JoyceNgo-218335993631273378369 August 20, 2008 12:44 PM PDT
People only use AIM because it's popular... I'm using Pidgin right now as a client, and my friend uses Trillian. Just because people use AIM, doesn't mean they really download the AIM client. I chose not to, I thought the new AIMs were ridiculous. It may be popular, but that doesn't mean people actually like it.
by nopinktoday August 20, 2008 8:38 AM PDT
AIM is a great IM client. It's probably that some just love to bash the old (MS, AOL, ect.)!
A solute AIM for lasting this long and having a good number of users.
Reply to this comment
by JoyceNgo-218335993631273378369 August 20, 2008 12:34 PM PDT
Hm.. well I have trouble using AIM express now. I kind of have the fact that when I check my AIM mail, it also shows me online on the right... That's a bit annoying considering I don't always want to be online.. Is that changeable?

I totally stopped using AIM express because the last time I did, it looked like AIM 6 and it was really hard for me to do anything, it didn't even load for me.. :(
Reply to this comment
(8 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
advertisement

Making sense of Windows 7 upgrades

faq The basics and the fine print on Microsoft's options for those eyeing the next operating system from Redmond.
• Full Windows 7 coverage

Road Trip 2009: Big Sky Country

CNET News reporter Daniel Terdiman takes his car full of gadgets to the Rockies and the Great Plains in search of tech, science, nature, and more.
• America's Fortress: Cheyenne Mountain

About Digital Media

The Web is now the place to go for news and entertainment. Look here for the latest on blogs, music, video, virtual worlds, social networking and more.

Add this feed to your online news reader

Digital Media topics

advertisement
advertisement

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right