AOL Testing 'Light' Version of AIM

[Slimy]

Latest version: 0.30

Responding to the requests of its more advanced users, AOL has begun developing a new lightweight AIM client that includes just the basic instant messaging functionality without all the frills. Called AIM ET, the software is available from AOL's Greenhouse site that offers previews of new products.

Since the late 1990s, instant messaging clients have become more than just text-based communication tools. They include a wide range of functionality like voice and video chat, integrated blogging and even the ability to make phone calls. But for those looking for a basic IM experience, much of the additions have simply amounted to extraneous "bloat."

In turn, savvy consumers have turned to third-party clients such as Trillian, or even AOL's new AIM Pro software designed for businesses. Google has also entered the fray with its simple Google Talk software that has primarily appealed to those looking for something less bulky that AIM Triton or Windows Live Messenger.

"One thing I've been pushing for at AOL since I got here almost a year ago is a light version of AIM. Ted Leonsis, Jim Bankoff, and Jon Miller and I have had countless discussions about the issue and we've made huge progress," says Netscape.com head Jason Calacanis. "This is really the future of AOL: light, fast, free products that compliment our bigger, more feature-rich products."

AIM ET is designed to answer this demand. It removes all but the primary IM functionality from AIM, and contains no advertising. The software utilizes very few system resources, making it ideal for those with older machines.

Still in prototype form, it's unclear whether AOL will officially release AIM ET and under what branding. Calacanis notes that the names "AIM Light" or "Light AIM" are under consideration. However, AOL has developed a number of new products over the years, such as AOL Media Player, that have never seen the light of day.

But Calacanis seems confident that AIM ET represents the direction AOL is headed as it migrates from an ISP to offering open Web services to all users. "Drop everything and go play with it," he says, "this is the future of AOL: light, open, cutting-edge, and elite as well as mass market."

AIM ET 1.07 is available for download now from FileForum.

Source

Edited October 17, 2006 by slimy

[Trong]

Sound's great, I wonder what it's like.

EDIT: Bah, when they said it was just straight IMing, they meant it. It's too boring and quiet for me. No profiles either!

[ObiWanToby]

Wow, this is actually nice.

I wonder if that AIM+Google thing is interop?

Edited October 2, 2006 by Intelman

[LOC Veteran]

Sound's great, I wonder what it's like.

It's AIM...Lite. It's exactly what you would expect, UI is sexy as hell, no "bloat" features, just file tranfser as far as I can tell and it only uses 1.4 megs of memory in the systray (about 7 when pulled up) and it's very sleek. I'd say this is about as good if not better than miniaim as far as minimal AIM clients go (Y)

But again, it's an AOL product. I await the bashing as per the usual AOL threads. Come on guys, you know you want to!

Wow, this is actually nice.

I wonder if that AIM+Google thing is interop?

Oooh, might wanna blot out your buddy names there. Just a tip :|

[Des429]

looks kinda cool but im using aim 5.2 right now and its only using 5mb of memory when its opened.

[LOC Veteran]

Sound's great, I wonder what it's like.

EDIT: Bah, when they said it was just straight IMing, they meant it. It's too boring and quiet for me. No profiles either!

You are actually complaining because it's exactly what's advertised? :|

looks kinda cool but im using aim 5.2 right now and its only using 5mb of memory when its opened.

And AIM 5.2 has been optimized and bug fixed and streamlined after months of work. AIM ET is brand new and the first version, I'm sure it has streamlining and optimizing to be done as well. Not to mention it is an early beta :)

[mlynch]

is this the same thing as the "AIM Pro" thing they had out a while ago? I liked that.. a good compromise between 5.9 and triton...

[LOC Veteran]

is this the same thing as the "AIM Pro" thing they had out a while ago? I liked that.. a good compromise between 5.9 and triton...

No it isn't.

[Trong]

But it doesn't even have sounds! I can't even change my font.

[Toology]

It's a step in the right direction but I still prefer miniaim which is light on resources but not excessively light on features.

[brand]

AIMLite

[Shuu]

wtf button ftw.

wow. uber-simple like woa. i could do without the black border, though.

[Brandon Live Veteran]

I thought AIM Pro was pretty decent (I still use Trillian, but AIM Pro was a vast improvement over Triton).

[AQUaDeX]

lol I love the wtf button, it's not the what-the-f*** we all know, it stands for "what's this for"! :D

this is a little bit too light imo, but since this is merely just a prototype I assume they have better things planned for AIM Lite.

[monacelli]

It's skinned just like Aim 6.0, only this time the skin is... black! Why do they feel the need to do this? It's why I (and probably countless others) refuse to run anything after Aim 5.9.

[xxdesmus]

AIM ET is a reference application for testing some new client technology developed here at AOL, with the intent of being simple, fun and light. Provides a fast, no-frills AIM experience.

This is a preview version which may expire

Brand new beta version...very lightweight, no frills, no useless features, only using 9mb of ram! :yes:

Screenshots coming when I get home from work...

Aim Lite

Edited October 3, 2006 by xxdesmus

[ZonoBurk]

Thanks for the screen shots.

EDIT: Well you did have some posted. :s

Edited October 3, 2006 by MchWalte

[xxdesmus]

damn the world, you're right :blush:

just close this :yes:

[xxdesmus]

@monacelli

I agree, I hate applications that use custom skins/UI...it's the only problem I have with Trillian as well. I've commented to the developers countless times about how irritating it is, and how just an option would be much appreciate :yes:

[Si Veteran]

Threads merged

[Randolph]

@monacelli

I agree, I hate applications that use custom skins/UI...it's the only problem I have with Trillian as well. I've commented to the developers countless times about how irritating it is, and how just an option would be much appreciate :yes:

I agree. I miss the classic "Windows Classic" look. :no:

[beanboy89]

looks kinda cool but im using aim 5.2 right now and its only using 5mb of memory when its opened.

Same here. I've been using AIM 5.2 plus DeadAIM for years now and I've been very reluctant to try out any newer AIM versions because all the bad reports I've heard from AIM 5.5+ and Triton. Lately, though, is seems that AOL is headed in the right direction with AIM. I may just take this new AIM "ET" for a spin.

[AltecXP]

the ram bounces a lot from 2-15mb it gives the ram back but it does seem to spike some. I like it over all

[eilegz]

not bad at all but in minimalistic i think that google talk its better

[sorlag]

That client will end up as other light editions, like icq did...

Lite until they start adding features (bloat) again :laugh: