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DESCRIPTION
AOL Desktop for Mac... AOL is back for Mac. AOL is reaffirming its commitment to Mac users with the first beta release of a brand new, all-in-one web software, now available for download: AOL Desktop for Mac. The best part, this free new software was developed by Mac users, for Mac users, from the ground up. Your Mac makes your life easy. Make it even easier with the new AOL Desktop for Mac.
Highlights include:
- Speed: Installs in seconds and launches fast - so you can begin browsing immediately, without signing in.
- Tabbed Organization: Tabs on browser and IM give you easy access and an uncluttered, organized view for all of your windows.
- AIM Integration: AIM is built right in so you can see which buddies are online, chat and more.
- Customization: Highly customizable toolbar makes it easy to keep your favorites right at your fingertips with access to them on any Internet-connected computer.
WHAT'S NEW
Version 1.5:
- System Requirements for Leopard have been updated to 10.5.3 or higher
- Fixed display of mail count for Outbox
- Fixed blank mail fields when saving a "Sent" message to another folder
- Fixed lost mail issue for some users when sending mail
- Fixed a mail display issue when the recipient was BCC:
- Fixed various accessibility issues with VoiceOver when announcing interface elements
- Fixed issue when updating AIM blocked user list
- Fixed auto-complete of AIM Blasts on the compose IM window
- Fixed Buddy Chat window hang if Buddy rejects the chat invitation by closing Chat window
- Fixed "Open Link" contextual menu item when accessing a hyperlink in an IM conversation
- Fixed away message display issue when user is logged on two different systems
- Fixed various contextual issues when user has multiple IM sessions grouped in one conversation window
- If the Buddy Info window is open, changing to other screen names on the Buddy List will update the Buddy Info window accordingly
- Fixed issue when some phone numbers were not properly formatted for IM to SMS messaging
- Fixed issue where AIM away message title was not editable
REQUIREMENTS
Mac OS X 10.5.3 or later.
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SCREENSHOT
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| AOL Desktop User Reviews (22 posts) | Write A Review |
 | Jan 25 2009 |
JAZZYGUY Well despite all the terrible comments my curiosity was fired up so I tried this application. When I started out years ago I had AOL as my ISP and I hated it. It used a proxy to give you a web browser and it had so many problems I was glad to rid myself of it. However,this application is quite nice. I have the latst news encapsulated within it and the GUI is nice. I really don't know what all the Brouha is about. I have to give this piece of freeware 5Stars.
(Version 1.5) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Nov 5 2008 |
ZENTIGERPAW Holy crap, people, its a freakin' beta. "...released to an enthusiastic public for large-scale testing and bug discovery." - Wikipedia The new software includes Safari's engine, just like the Windows version uses IE's engine, so it should be a smooth transition in terms of logging into all your sites from Safari. The new interface is as "native" as it gets. So I don't know why people are complaining. With the new interface means finally upgraded software. Mail, AIM, and of course the browser have been totally revamped. I have a iBook G4, 15inch display, 1024x768, so things are a little big for me unlike the new Macs. AIM has a new interface, user info is a simple mouse hover away, and chatting has been revamped with a nice bigger window and tabs are default and its all ad-free. Mail is all native and almost looks like they copied off Apple's Mail. Its the ONLY application on the desktop software that has ads which is fine for me. Although it could use some work. This is the biggest change to hit AOL in a long time and by far welcomed one. Ignore those who say it sucks, has spyware, ect. This is isn't version 9! AOL changed its focus a long while back and this software shows it. My only complaints to the beta is the browser buttons shouldn't be "shiny." It feels awkward when on Leopard and even on Tiger. Hands down. I suggest more research if they want to go all native on both Tiger & Leopard platforms.
(Version 1.5b6) | |
| [ 2 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
 | Nov 26 2008 |
PETER DA SILVA But what does it actually *do*? That's what people are boggled about... what does this desktop get you that the built-in software doesn't already do much much better? WHy would you use this package instead of Safari, iChat/AdiumX, Apple Mail, etc? What's the point? Cui bono? Where's the beef?
(Version 1.5b7) | |
| Dec 9 2008 |
TIM.DEHRING The point of this software is an all in one package for AOL. This is great for switchers from Windows that are used to using AOL Desktop so that they don't feel alienated. I should know, my grandfather refuses to get rid of AOL and so when I set up his Mac mini, I made sure I installed AOL for him, and he loved it.
(Version 1.5b8) | |
| Oct 8 2008 |
DANA SUTTON What seems like decades ago (maybe it was!) I was a beta tester for AOL software. Although I and many other testers kept complaining about the hideous interface and how absolutely un-Maclike it was, their software engineers never got the point. It's like the chapter on "Human Engineering" had been ripped out of their textbooks. All I need is a quick glance at the screenshot to see that they still utterly fail to get it. I physically flinch when my poor eyes are confronted with AOL Desktop. I can easily see the point of having an all-in-one piece of software for those folks who aren't very computer-savvy and don't especially want to become so, and these days this is probably the single selling-point of AOL . But people like that are precisely the kind of people who will no doubt be thrown off -- or more likely scared off -- by such a cluttered, complex and confusing interface. AOL desperately needs to be ruthless and simplify, simplify, simplify.
(Version 1.5b4) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Aug 28 2008 |
JEFFSTERS Poor substitute for the free applications already included with Mac OS X which do not push ads on you. Fails to provide compatibility with all the AOL services or past AOL features. Is WAY behind the Windows version. Even AOL's web site refuses often to allow access to areas claiming the browser is too old or incompatible. In all, after all these years, you would expect better.
(Version 1.5b2) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jul 15 2008 |
- AOL keeps improving their software. - Newer versions don't run slower than older ones. - AOL won the 2008 Apple Developer Award CUBE for best iPhone Entertainment Application which is AOL Radio. - Beta and GM versions can coexist side by side. - No one is forcing you to use it. There are plenty of 'I am the 8 tons. gorilla in the room' kind of companies which couldn't even place a check mark to any of the aforementioned statements and whose software is expensive as hell. To complain for the sake of complain is a common symptom of immaturity. Do it with constructive feedback about the software so AOL could bring a better Mac client. Maybe this is not AOL OpenRide but at least they are trying which is needless to say, honest and honesty is the best image.
(Version 1.5b1) | |
| [ 3 Replies - Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Jul 15 2008 |
MECHAMANIA The hate is likely from all the horrible service over the years when AOL was basically the only game in town. It was nearly impossible to cancel subscriptions for many people for a long while (among other things), and people came to hate AOL. AOL brought it on themselves, and while it's "nice" that they are developing this for free, etc., it's more because they have to--in order to salvage what remains of their brand--as opposed to doing so because they want to. They'd still be sticking it to everyone if they could, but they can't. So why would anyone want to make constructive criticisms and give them free help? Screw 'em. AOL knows right now that the very mention of their brand causes disgust among so many -- so much so that they are looking to re-brand as AIM, which is their most popular product.
(Version 1.5b1) | |
| Aug 4 2008 |
PETER DA SILVA The question is... what does it actually DO? When you don't need to run AOL software to log in to AOL, what benefit do you get from AOL Desktop? What does it actually do?
(Version 1.5b2) | |
| Aug 4 2008 |
DANA SUTTON What does it do? Looking at the screenshot, one gets the idea that it mostly shows you a whole bunch of ads, and that this was foremost in its designers' minds. One of the many, many reasons I got out of AOL many years ago is that I wanted an interface that showed me what I wanted to look at, not what they wanted me to look at (and were aggressively pushing all the time). AOL may imagine this ruthless onslaught of clutter generates profit, but it's such a massive turnoff that no doubt it's cost them a lot more than it's made them.
(Version 1.5b2) | |
| Jul 15 2008 |
OOSHNOO Why? Why? Why?
(Version 1.5b1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jul 15 2008 |
When I was 13.
(Version 1.5b1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jul 1 2008 |
ROG360 Wow! Can't wait to install this... LOL!!!
(Version b19) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
| Jun 11 2008 |
SMKSENSEI Proof that there ARE viruses running on Macs.
(Version 1.1) | |
| [ Reply ] | |
Replies:
| Jul 15 2008 |
DNELSON Very good for you! You've stayed clear of some of the worst companies/corporations in recent history!
(Version 1.5b1) | |
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| View all 22 posts >> |
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