AOL simplifies access to broadband content
25078
(InfoWorld) - AOL has developed a new version of its PC software designed to simplify and enhance how broadband users access online content and services. The product, called OpenRide, consolidates in a single screen with four panes access to a variety of AOL and non-AOL services, with a focus on e-mail, instant messaging, Web search, multimedia and browsing, AOL said Wednesday. OpenRide lets users access AOL and non-AOL e-mail accounts, links up with the company's AIM instant messaging service, and has an integrated Web browser and a media center for viewing videos, calling up photos and playing songs. Until now, AOL took a one-size-fits-all approach with its PC software, but OpenRide represents a departure from this model with a more modular, flexible architecture. Previously, applications design supported AOL's dial-up Internet access business, which AOL has decided to exit. With its focus on broadband users, OpenRide is in sync with AOL's strategy of attracting visitors to its free services andÂ selling online ads, AOL said. As such, OpenRide is the first AOL PC software that is freely available to anyone. Although AOL is to be commended for developing a more customizable version of its PC software, OpenRide still has an entry-level feel to it that will likely turn off sophisticated users, said Joe Laszlo, a Jupiter Research analyst. "OpenRide aims towards the mainstream, not very advanced end user, which is the classic, stereotypical AOL user," he said. Still, the potential exists for building features into OpenRide that will attract more advanced users, because AOL seems to have given the application an open, modular architecture, Laszlo said. Much is riding on OpenRide's adoption, as AOL battles for visitors and advertisers with mighty competitors like Yahoo, Google, Microsoft's MSN and many other players that make money from online ads. The PC software is a key weapon in AOL's arsenal. AOL members make up 36 percent of U.S. monthly unique visitors to the AOL network. But they generate a disproportionate 80 percent of the page views. Central to retaining these people's positive effect on the consumption of AOL online ads is their use of the AOL PC software, which subscribers used to lose access to when they canceled their dial-up accounts, although not anymore. About half the size of the previous, AOL 9.0 version, OpenRide can beÂ downloaded here. It doesn't require any log-in procedure except when users need to access password-protected services.
685577
Updated Internet appliance adds home networking features.
53781
AOL's got some new services they're showing off at CTIA today.
244238
AOL is blurring the lines of news with a makeover that gives its traditional news sites the look and feel of a blog, a shift that is part of its efforts to change from a subscription-based service to a free, advertising-based Web business.
123976
AOL on Wednesday plans to launch a new version of its software that lets users access their e-mail, instant messaging, search and media on the same screen.
332163
Time Warner will run the Internet access and audience businesses of its AOL segment independently, the company said today.
595153
Dubbed AOL 9.0 Security, the latest version of America Online's software will give dial-up and high-speed subscribers free McAfee antivirus software and automatic upgrades. -The Washington Post
384073
Passwords alone won't be enough to get onto America Online under a new, optional log-on service that makes AOL the first major U.S. online business to offer customers a second layer of security...
328213
AOL has agreed to make it easier for its remaining customers to leave as part of a $3 million settlement with 48 states and the District of Columbia.
629816
NEW YORK -- AOL is getting a software makeover, its first since deciding to make more of its services available for free in the chase for online advertising dollars.
541630
Free insurance coverage for identity theft and computer damage is among the premium security offerings AOL is making available to its dwindling base of paying subscribers.
334506
Cable operators have been fighting bandwidth limits to squeeze in more high definition content. A new system aims to assist in that fight without sacrificing quality.
314650
DULLES, Va. -- The walls surrounding America Online Inc.'s well-manicured gardens are crumbling: AOL is abandoning its strategy of exclusivity and will free much of its music, sports, and other programming to nonsubscribers, in hopes of boosting ad sales.
667087
Members could have automatic access to easy backup on AOL servers.
473352
America Online will now provide gratis antivirus protection to its subscribers.
531515
The Internet portal's evolution to free content extends to AOL Latino.
128638
America Online of Dulles, Va., began marketing a new password technology Tuesday that could simplify login routines for computer users.