any opinions?.....AOL's new upgrade not so
revolutionary
by Chris Cobbs
Orlando Sentinel
If you're the type who welcomes a free bar of soap or box of
cereal with the Sunday paper, get ready for the new version of
America Online arriving this fall in a magazine near you.
America Online, Version 5, is an evolutionary, rather than
revolutionary, upgrade. The changes are not as dramatic as they
were in the upgrade from version 3 to 4 last September. At that
time, the program's appearance underwent a much-needed face
lift.
AOL has built a mass audience by being easy to use, graphically
pleasing and well-rounded. After reviewing a preview copy of the
new version, I believe those characteristics are enhanced. Most
users will find two or three features to justify the upgrade process.
Besides, the new software is free and easy to install. Fifteen
minutes after placing the CD-ROM in the drive, I was signed on.
Two additions - "You've Got Pictures" and "My Calendar" - are
likely to help AOL expand its subscriber base.
Orlando was a test market for "You've Got Pictures," which
makes it easy to send pictures over the Internet.
"My Calendar" strikes a balance between the low-tech types with
calendars on the refrigerator and the Palm Pilot set, with
organizers on their belt.
The colorful calendar can be viewed by day, week or month. It
displays appointments, birthdays and anniversaries. A nice touch
is the ability to find community events online.
Another feature touted by AOL is the "Search" function, which
allows a user to simultaneously search AOL content and the Web.
The main search screen is a listing of broad categories, with more
detailed listings below.
AOL's desire to protect users from pornography surfaces when
the search feature is used. For instance, when I clicked on
"computers/Internet," I received a message that said, "Some of the
following results are from the World Wide Web and may contain
objectionable material that AOL does not endorse."
Cosmetically, the Welcome screen has been altered subtly. The
overall effect is more pleasing and less cluttered.
The "Today on AOL" lineup has been graphically modified to
make it easier to determine where to click for links. Down the
left-hand side of the screen, you'll find "You've Got Mail"
(replacing Mailbox), "You've Got Pictures" (new), "My Calendar"
(new) and "Chat" (formerly People Connection).
For those fortunate enough to have high-speed Internet access,
AOL 5 will support cable modems, digital subscriber lines,
satellites and T1 access. The high-speed-access feature is still in
testing but is expected to be available later in the fall.
Broadband access, which is always "on" and eliminates the need
for a dial-up connection, will bring richer content featuring video,
audio and games.
Even if you don't feel like upgrading to version 5, you can always
find a use for those CD-ROM mail-outs. They make nice
coasters. |
