AOL Testing 'Light' Version of AIM

By Slimy
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Grand Master

Slimy

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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.

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Grand Master

LOC Veteran

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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 :|

Grand Master

LOC Veteran

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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 :)

Grand Master

xxdesmus

Posted
Posted (edited)
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

post-32407-1159898848_thumb.jpg

post-32407-1159898865_thumb.jpg

post-32407-1159898878_thumb.jpg

post-32407-1159899253.jpg

Edited by xxdesmus
Grand Master

Randolph

Posted
Posted

@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:

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beanboy89

Posted
Posted

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.

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