AOL recently launched their newest online offering, the AOL Desktop. The software is thought to be the new AOL as it repackages itself to be more appealing to the public. I believe there used to be a time where AOL was an industry giant that can look straight to the eye or even stare down Microsoft. But one thing led to another, and although they are not yet a footnote of internet history, they are now in the category of those that “used to be.” With this desktop, AOL hopefully could reconnect or even create new connection to the general users. This software is absolutely free and could be downloaded right from their website.
AOL Desktop basically brings everything to your desktop most of the AOL services. From our e-mail to your messenger, everything related to AOL could be accessed from your desktop. This all in one portal is independent of web browser which means you can still enjoy your web.
Sounds a pretty good deal for me, so I downloaded the software to try it out a little. The first thing I noticed is that it’s way too slow to download. I have more than enough bandwidth with me to download other files real fast. Ok, that’s could be forgiven since there might be millions who are also downloading this file. I selected quick install so that I could try out the software immediately. Less than five minutes of installation and 10 minutes for download, the software is finally ready to use.
I was surprised however, that my IE interface was changed. I like to think I’m an obsessive compulsive when it comes to my browsers where everything has to be in place. Imagine the horror that my homepage is now AOL, a toolbar is already installed and the search engine will default to AOL. That was the deal breaker for me. So before I uninstall the software, I tried to run it just to see if all that craziness in my explorer is worth it.
To be honest, I didn’t see any “desktop like” experience from this software. The only reason it could be called a desktop tool is that it could be launched right from the desktop and has all the buttons from AOL you’re so familiar with. Its only difference is that it can access e-mail from its outlook like software. But generally, the service is quiet mediocre. The only thing I like about the software is its integration of AOL and GMail messenger which could be accessed in Meebo. Plus, they have cool games there and I already have Google Talk. In the end, the software is just another web browser that looks like Flock. It is honest enough to say they are a browser instead of a desktop.
But AOL fans don’t be disheartened. Nobody gets them the first time so there’s a big chance that something better could come out from this software. I, in the meantime will just have to wait for the next update as I uninstall this from my computer.
