AOL Tries to be Cool

[Modred]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6705994/

AOL to create standalone browser
Based on Internet Explorer, includes tabbed browsing
The Associated Press
Updated: 9:04 a.m. ET Dec. 13, 2004

DULLES, Va. - As part of its reincarnation, America Online Inc. is creating its own software for browsing the Web and playing movies and songs. It's a question of staying relevant in an increasingly broadband world.

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AOL got its start as a dial-up Internet service provider, connecting millions of first-time users with software that had to be installed on computers and often made some serious modifications to the operating system.

That approach no longer makes sense, said Kerry Pearce-Parkins, director of AOL Product Management. For one, corporations generally prohibit their employees from installing software. That means many subscribers can't access AOL programming during the day.

And because broadband users get their Internet connection through a company other than AOL, they no longer need a software package that includes access tools.

That's why AOL is building a standalone Web browser, while keeping an all-in-one package available for those who really want it.

The browser's core will be Microsoft Corp.'s market-dominant Internet Explorer. Though AOL financed an organization behind a competing browser called Firefox, Pearce-Parkins said the company stuck with IE so users won't have to make "a leap of faith."

(Microsoft and NBC are partners in MSNBC.)

But AOL engineers are working to add such features as tabbed browsing, letting users open new Web pages without cluttering the screen with new windows. Unlike tabbed browsing in the Opera and Firefox browsers, AOL's will display a mini-version of the Web page, or thumbnail, as users scroll over a tab.

The AOL Browser will also have tools to thwart e-mail scams known as phishing and to index and search files on the user's computer.

But most importantly for the company, the browser will incorporate several ways to drive traffic to AOL programming and products, increasing ad opportunities.

The new AOL Media Player, built on AOL-owned Winamp technology, will also seek to integrate software with AOL's online radio stations and music store. "Access to the AOL content and services is always a click away," Pearce-Parkins said.

The programs are expected to be ready for free download early next year.
Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

So basically, AOL is going to transform IE into an Opera/FireFox ripoff, resurrect WinAmp as AOL Media Player, and expect to come out on top. While it makes sense, I find it somewhat humorous. Almost as if this were a joke. If their browser really lives up to the expectations presented in this article, it would definitely be a large leap over IE, although I doubt those of us who have already abandoned the IE bandwagon would return.

The idea of AOL Media simply explains why Nullsoft suddenly closed its doors. The "boss" decided to redo Winamp and change the name. In my mind, this is a rather silly ploy, but I'll probably try it out. Maybe they can actually compete with Real and Microsoft there (as opposed to ripping off their software).

Anyway, I still find it funny for some reason.

[WeekendLazyness]

I agree. Also, there is no reason to reinvent the wheel when they already own Netscape. If they did a Firefox based browser, it would be much easier as it already has tabbed browsing and it is open source.

[Neo]

Netscape will be the FF-Based next browser... as opposed to anything AOL would actually use.

Thumbnailed websites seem interesting, but uhm... considering that most people who use AOL have crappy ass computers... won't that just piss them off more?

-Neo

[TimP]

So a new AOL browser based on IE is not "cool" but a Netscape (also AOL, ironically) browser which is a Firefox clone is? While I probably won't use either, there's nothing wrong (or uncool) with enhancing the IE core.

[Jeff]

The idea of AOL Media simply explains why Nullsoft suddenly closed its doors. No, they didn't.
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/11/18/0024242&tid=141&tid=99

[WeekendLazyness]

So a new AOL browser based on IE is not "cool" but a Netscape (also AOL, ironically) browser which is a Firefox clone is? While I probably won't use either, there's nothing wrong (or uncool) with enhancing the IE core.
It doesn't really make sense to when they own Netscape.

[GrassDragon]

Yeah, this is kinda lame :\ Won't people who use IE just stick with that, and people who won't stick with what they're using (FF, Safari etc.)?

[TimP]

Yeah, this is kinda lame :\ Won't people who use IE just stick with that, and people who won't stick with what they're using (FF, Safari etc.)?
Exactly, so what are we getting all worked up about? :)

[bluemicrobyte]

I've always hated AOL from the start. Too expensive, and they don't even provide you with what you really need - an internet connection. It's like saying "ok if you drive out to the woods we'll set up camp for you and cook your food too! In return, you only have to pay us double your gas bill!"

[WeekendLazyness]

Um, BMB, AOL provided access "from the start."

[Modred]

No, they didn't.
Ah, guess I bit into the rumors. Thanks for clearing that up.

So a new AOL browser based on IE is not "cool" but a Netscape (also AOL, ironically) browser which is a Firefox clone is? While I probably won't use either, there's nothing wrong (or uncool) with enhancing the IE core.
I wasn't suggesting, directly at least, that an AOL browser is uncool. However, it does seem somewhat silly to update the browser from a competing company in imitation of a product that their funds helped develop. With mainstream AOL endorsement, the Mozilla suite, Firefox, or a newer Netscape could possibly compete with IE. Of course, there is always the possibility that it would not, or that AOL would burden what was a good piece of software with unwanted bulk and turn away those who have already fled IE.

[hammocksleeper]

So basically, AOL is going to transform IE into an Opera/FireFox ripoff, resurrect WinAmp as AOL Media Player, and expect to come out on top. While it makes sense, I find it somewhat humorous. Almost as if this were a joke. If their browser really lives up to the expectations presented in this article, it would definitely be a large leap over IE, although I doubt those of us who have already abandoned the IE bandwagon would return.

The idea of AOL Media simply explains why Nullsoft suddenly closed its doors. The "boss" decided to redo Winamp and change the name. In my mind, this is a rather silly ploy, but I'll probably try it out. Maybe they can actually compete with Real and Microsoft there (as opposed to ripping off their software).

Anyway, I still find it funny for some reason.Are you fucking joking? No, IE is better than FF and ripping off FF would only make it worse. AOL Media Player, oh jeez I can just see it as being a reincarnation of the RealPlayer..aaaaaaaaaaaaa

Well as long as the old versions are still made available I got no real complaints. AOL is full of marketing geniuses, I'm sure they'll be successful. Whoever said AOL wouldn't be successful with a shittier version of FF? After all, AOL has become the most successful ISP with a shittier version of the internet. ;)

I wasn't suggesting, directly at least, that an AOL browser is uncool. However, it does seem somewhat silly to update the browser from a competing company in imitation of a product that their funds helped develop. With mainstream AOL endorsement, the Mozilla suite, Firefox, or a newer Netscape could possibly compete with IE. Of course, there is always the possibility that it would not, or that AOL would burden what was a good piece of software with unwanted bulk and turn away those who have already fled IE.This is how AOL, or any other vertically integrated corporation works. You ask, why would AOL revamp IE instead of making Netscape super-uber and in competition with IE? I'll tell you why. Because competition sucks. It's bad for business (on the company's end). Because in the end if they tried to compete, IE would win out. IE has a HUGE share of the browser market, and it's even better for AOL if they can get their marketing in with not only Netscape, but IE at the same time. Symbiotic partnerships, my friend.

[Basan]

Are you fucking joking? No, IE is better than FF and ripping off FF would only make it worse. ...

This is how AOL, or any other vertically integrated corporation works. You ask, why would AOL revamp IE instead of making Netscape super-uber and in competition with IE? I'll tell you why. Because competition sucks. ...

Such slander (http://www.spreadfirefox.com/?q=node/view/8769)... when will you learn? *Predicts another IE vs. FF points of view war*
FF isn't a bad competition to IE, as you suggested. ;)

[hammocksleeper]

Such slander (http://www.spreadfirefox.com/?q=node/view/8769)... when will you learn? *Predicts another IE vs. FF points of view war*
FF isn't a bad competition to IE, as you suggested. ;)I don't really want to get into an IE vs FF debate. That's not what this is here for. I just had to plug my opinion because that's the kind of guy I am. :) And maybe FF (or Netscape) is a worthy competitor of IE, but the fact of the matter is that in order to compete with IE and try to get a significant portion of market share you would have to pump ungodly amounts of money into development and promotion. It would be much more worth AOL's while to put their own spin on IE's browser, taking advantage of IE's market share and popularity while at the same time getting exposure of their own, and spending less money.

[Modred]

I see your point hammock, and understand the reasoning behind using IE. It just seems like an initial waste of effort to add features to IE that already belong to a program semi-developed using AOL funds. But perhaps the work that AOL once put into Netscape can pay off with their reincarnation of IE. Now that certain convenient features have been worked into browsers such as FireFox, there is a standard of comparison for an IE based rival.

[Basan]

It would be much more worth AOL's while to put their own spin on IE's browser, taking advantage of IE's market share and popularity while at the same time getting exposure of their own, and spending less money. Now I understand where your heading. I agree with the marketing bit. Alas FF might be a current good way to boost competition on how to do decent improvements on IE. Perhaps even in it's security. ;)

Those continuous IE patches that wouldn't work properly to supposedly increase it's surfin' security are the main reason I actually gave FF a shot. And since I'm pleased with it, I like to spread the word 'bout it. If only 'uncle Bill Gates' would effectively circumvent the holes (aka exploit potencials) in IE's security, I'd stop bitching about it. :smirk:

Edit add: I do tell this 'cause it seems that the fellas at Microsoft forgot that are other OS's than the XP itself. My 2K continues with it's spy/addware exploits even after updating it. Now you know... :)

[Modred]

Edit add: I do tell this 'cause it seems that the fellas at Microsoft forgot that are other OS's than the XP itself. My 2K continues with it's spy/addware exploits even after updating it. Now you know...
Speaking of which, I believe that updates for IE will only be available through the XP series of Operating Systems, thereby forcing anyone who wants to block said holes to pay for WinXP. Heck, I'd just buy a new computer if I didn't have XP, unless I was running an awesome gaming machine that would cost more than a few hundred to replace.

[Basan]

Speaking of which, I believe that updates for IE will only be available through the XP series of Operating Systems, thereby forcing anyone who wants to block said holes to pay for WinXP. Heck, I'd just buy a new computer if I didn't have XP, unless I was running an awesome gaming machine that would cost more than a few hundred to replace.
Your statement is all correct but in two things.
I really don't want to buy the XP OS. It's heavier on the HD of this PC's resources (laptop) for no need in my point of view. It has some neat extra features when compared with to 2K but to me those are irrelevant (possible exception of it's firewall).
And I don't want ot buy another PC anytime soon, except maybe to replace the home one. And when I'll do that a "couple of hundreds", as you say, won't do the job. In Europe (unfortunetly), some of those stuff are more expensive, ya know? (a good PC costs 'round 1000 €.) :P

[Neo]

I don't think either is cool.

Netscape is retarded, but since its more then just a browser now....

They will basically be integrating possible Mozilla tech into a Netscape browser, with special features, such as integration with Netscape Accounts and/or possible AOL accounts and the like. Its nothing new really. On top of that, they will probably add soemthing else to the "new" netscape browser, who knows really.

AOL is only using IE becuase its most likely easier then trying to update their own crappy bullshit theyve been using for years. IE seems to be really easy to integrate into anything, I mean hell, I had a Battle.net Channel Bot a few years ago with a built in IE-Based browser thing xD

That and its easier for people to use IE from AOL, then to go from AOL to FF.

The only reason IE account for so much of the "market" (funny considering most mainstream browsers are free-to-use nowadays) is becuase its the default, already installed browser on most Manufactured PCs now. Just like Safari is on Macs (right? I mean, Safari is the Max-Default browser isnt it? O_o).

People are to lazy -- and to ignorant to realize other choices they may have. If MS did not take such a long ass time to update and/or patch something (read: to do something like that would mean such exploit existed in the first place) then it wouldn't be a problem.

But does it matter? Internet Explorer will continue to be the most used Browser simply becuase... well its usually the easiest one to double click on.

Monopoly is great isnt it?

-Neo