AOL Freebies: All-in-One Broadband Software Launched

By Johanne Torres

TMCnet Contributing Editor

 

AOL launched a new and free software version of AOL OpenRide, an all-in-one program that combines access to e-mail, instant messaging (IM), Web browsing, search, and an entertainment media center into a single interface optimized for high-speed cable or DSL online users. The software is now available for download and works over any connection.

 

Through the multitask software's interface, users can access their e-mail (including non-AOL accounts), watch videos, listen to music and view photos online. The software features a four-paned "Quad View," which un-clutters windows on the user's screen.  

 

OpenRide is based on a new open and modular software technology platform. The Internet service provider plans to add features relating customization and personalization to the OpenRide software program.

 

"Broadband users are simultaneously accessing multiple Internet features and consuming an ever-increasing amount of digital media," said AOL's executive vice president of products and technology Joel Davidson in a statement released on Wednesday. "We saw an opportunity to provide a new kind of software that could streamline their core activities—checking e-mail, instant messaging, Web browsing and search, and enjoying videos, music and photos—in one convenient interface that automatically adapts as they navigate between features. OpenRide is a new addition to AOL's growing suite of free products and services that we're excited to introduce as a new way for people to enjoy the Internet and the benefits of broadband."

 

OpenRide also features the Dynasizer navigation tool, which allows users resize the panes within the "Quad View" screen. The panes are work with each other to let users to, for example, share digital photos from the Media Center through e-mail or an IM with just one click.

 

Access to multiple e-mail accounts will include access to e-mail from providers such as POP3 account like Google's (News - Alert) Gmail and Yahoo! Mail Plus, as well as e-mail offered via broadband service providers, in addition to AOL Mail, AIM Mail and new AOL My eAddress personalized "vanity domains."

 

The Media Center features enables users to view videos from their computer or from the Web, including highlights from the new AOL Video portal; listen to online radio stations through AOL Radio with XM or play songs from their own personal library; view and share digital photos; and access files from their computer with desktop search functionality provided, all from one place.

 

The software's Web Browser feature includes tabbed browsing and thumbnail previews; as well as phishing protection and spyware protection.

 

AOL plans to launch a new version of AOL Search that is optimized for broadband. Currently in Beta, the new search service organizes relevant results in an easy-to-use page, including Web search enhanced by Google, which includes videos, pictures, sound clips, local info.

 

This is AOL's second free service announced this week. The ISP announced on Monday that it has made its Parental Controls software available to all Internet users online at no cost. This is the first time that the company has made the software available for free to all Internet users (including non-AOL subscribers) since it introduced it back in 1994.

 

The software allows parents to help protect their children from viewing inappropriate online content. Its features include standard age-based access controls, specific controls on IM and chat, online timers, and e-mail reports on users' online activities.

 

AOL

 

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Johanne Torres is contributing editor for TMCnet and INTERNET TELEPHONY magazine. To see more articles by Johanne Torres, please visit her columnist page.