AOL Desktop is Coming

I must admit, I have been a dedicated AOL user for years. AOL 1.0 was the best thing that could happen to me years ago. Yes, now that I look back, I paid a ridiculous price for the once popular internet service. They have managed to generate themselves quite a bad reputation, even after giving out all their services free, but I stayed that true dedicated AOL fan, and to this day, I have given up a few of their services and their AOL 9.0 application, but I am still a proud AOL fan. Despite their new beta products that are created, only to be forgotten about months later, AOL Desktop (Codename Helix) looks rather promising.I visit their beta site often, just to see what new items are being released, and a few months ago, I came across AOL Destop. It is a pretty interesting concept. If you remember AOL Suite, the look is very similar, with a bar at the top; however, it is an actual desktop in that you are able to add items to this desktop and more. Mail, Browser, and AIM are all integrated in one nice, simple location.

Highlights include:

• Improved Navigation: A new “AppMap” feature located between the Web button and Search field on the toolbar, instantly displays clickable thumbnails of all your open windows. Now you can find what you’re looking for instantly - and switch windows with just one click.
• Tabbed Organization: Tabs on email, browser and IM windows allow you to surf, send mail and more, without cluttering your screen.
• More Email Options: New, streamlined AOL® Mail lets you send and receive messages using multiple email accounts, including GMail, Verizon® and many more, in the same window.
• Enhanced IM: AIM® 6.1 is built right in so you can see which buddies are online, chat, share pictures and more.
• Easy to Use: New functionality allows for fast, easy transfer of your Favorites and Personal Filing Cabinet from AOL 9.0 to AOL Desktop.
• MapQuest® Integration: Enables you to conveniently embed a map and link to full directions right in your email.
• AIM Invisibility: Avoid interruptions online - just set your preference in AIM to “invisible” and you’ll appear offline to others from the moment you sign in.
• QuickTips have been added to provide contextual hints about new features in AOL Desktop.

If you want to try it out, visit here. It’s cool, it’s fun, and simple to use.