AIM 5.0 Beta Released

[Jeff]

AOL has released a beta version of AIM 5.0 for Windows. This beta version dresses up AIM with features such as:

• AIM Expressions - These "skins" for AIM are similar to Yahoo! Messenger's IMvironments.
• Content Panels - This gives you news headlines, chat rooms and other info. It replaces your buddy list, and reminded me of the tabs in both MSN and Yahoo! Messenger.
• Typing Indicator - Another area where AIM is playing catch-up to MSN and Yahoo. Now you can see when your buddy is typing a reply to you.

Even if you have configured AIM to notify you of beta releases, you might not get a notification for a while, but you can still get the beta right here and now.

Have you tried AIM 5.0? Like the new stuff? Give us your review!

Jeff Hester aka "Mister BigBlueBall.com"

[Jeff]

Want screen shots? I've added some in this article.

Jeff Hester aka "Mister BigBlueBall.com"

[Phil]

because its a beta release, im guessing there are gonna be bugs, but do u fink its ok to install it, or is there a risk of it damaging my computer ?

[Jeff]

I'll let ya know... I installed it on one of my computers. It's been working fine so far, but any beta software is subject to have some problems.

Beta software usually has gone through some internal testing already, mainly to make sure it doesn't do anything really nasty. In most cases, the bugs are related to specific functionality with the software itself, but when you run beta, you're basically running unwarranted software. Caveat emptor!

Jeff Hester aka "Mister BigBlueBall.com"

[Zlink123]

I have been using 5.0 for about a week now, nothing has gone wrong. So far i like it a little bit better than previous versions, of course, i suppose i should since it is an Improvement on the older versions. the only thing that i can't figure out is where the indicator that shows that your friend is typing is. *hit myself for most likely missing something extremely obvious*

-Zlink123
Dog mans best friend??? I think
not...Computer, mans best friend.

Thank you Noyce and Kilby

[Phil]

I think ill wait for the official release <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> coz knowing my luck, my computer will actually blow up when i try to install it

[bushwick]

I am with Phil, I am going to wait for the gold release myself.
Being an ex AOLTimeWarner Inc employee (prior to the merger) we knew that no one in Virgina could code anything to save their lives, and it always took someone from the west coast to fix what it was VA screwed up.

Another reason I am waiting for the gold release, is so that w00w00.org can pick it a part (they never do this to alpha or beta projects) and discover more buffer overflow security concerns.

They had a field day with AIM 4.x, will they have the same kind of picnic with 5.x? We shall soon see!

BuShWiCk
<img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>

[DaveMatthews]

I tried to find the aim 5.0 beta - the page is blank. Do you think aol has yanked it?

If so, does anyone have a copy of the file that you might be willing to share?

Thanks in advance.

Dave Matthews

Dave

mcsa2000@bellsouth.net

[Jeff]

They've changed the URL to the beta to http://www.aim.com/get_aim/win/win_beta.adp

I've updated the link in the initial post.

They've also created provided some additional Expressions, including one for NASCAR fans.

By the way, Dave, I love your band. <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

Jeff Hester aka "Mister BigBlueBall.com"

[Xteria864]

jeff u have have the aol account and download it and when the new instant message is there will u be able to press enter on it or have to keep on clicking send<img src=icon_smile_sleepy.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle>

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