AIM 6.5 Released, Upgrade Recommended

[Jeff]

Last week, we reported the serious security flaw in AIM discovered by Core Security Technologies. Now AOL has officially released AIM 6.5. This version does not contain the security flaw. If you are using an older version of AIM, BigBlueBall recommends that you upgrade now, or use a web-based AIM alternative.

Here's the word from the AIM Social Media blog:

Drum roll, please! The much anticipated AIM 6.5 version is finally here. Version 6.5.4.16 launched this morning and can be downloaded from http://www.aim.com. You can read the official press release right here.

This version touts new features like:

• Status Message: Now you can set a personal message that will be displayed regardless of whether you are away, idle, available, etc. This is similar to the past away messages that could be personalized but only displayed when you set yourself away.
• AIM® Tunes Plugin: During the AIM Install, you can choose to add this plugin. Once activated, upon signing into AIM, you will be able to stream non-DRM music that your buddies have added to their playlists. AIM users can listen to the music on their PCs anytime their buddies are online while fully respecting copyright issues of the music industry. AIM Tunes does not require a separate media player download.
  
  (NOTE: If you are running version 0.0.0.6 you will need to download the latest version [0.0.0.7]. To find your AIM Tunes version, open the AIM Tunes website and click "About AIM® Tunes." At very bottom of the pop-up you can find the version number.)
• Buddy Notes: You can add notes (that only you see) to each person on your Buddy List simply by mousing over them when your Buddy List window is active and choosing "Add notes".
• Tips From AIM: When you open a new IM window for the first time every AIM session, you will see a "Tip from AIM" appear to hopefully help enhance your knowledge of some of the lesser-known features of AIM.
• QQ Games from Tencent: Also during installation, you can opt to install another AIM plugin that will permit you to play select MMO games with your AIM Buddies. These games include QQ Treasure Hunter, QQ Match Master, QQ Pool, QQ Robo and QQ Black Jack. Keep checking back as Tencent is continuing to enhance the selection of games that are offered.
• Toolbar for AIM: This AIM release also offers you the ability to install an AIM Browser toolbar to provide one-click access to perform some of the important IM functions without leaving your web browser. These functions include sending an IM, setting your status, checking your email and searching the web.

In addition, there are several enhanced features such as

• TXT Message Mode: Easily toggle between sending a buddy a text message or an IM.
• More Color Themes: Selecting the color wheel at the top of the Buddy List Window provides several color schemes you can choose to change the theme colors of your AIM software. Among these choices are themes such as "Boot Cut" " and "Midnight Storm."
• Linked Accounts BL/Away Display Updates: When you have a linked account, you can more easily see the status and personality of each of your accounts right at the top of your Buddy List. Moreover, when you go away, you can see all of the away messages being displayed right in your IM window for each linked account.

And for those mobile users, a new AIM shortcode (246246) "AIMAIM" will be available later this week. Using this text message shortcode, you will be able to send IMs, update your status message, and perform several more IM related tasks. Keep checking back here - we will not only announce when it is available, but also be able to provide more details on how to use this new shortcode.

Please keep checking back here as we'll be providing more details on what you will find in the new AIM 6.5 software. In addition, we will be providing "how-to-guides" to use these features.

Happy IMing!!!