Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : America On-Line (AOL) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: puborectalis who wrote (31581)	9/26/1999 4:48:00 AM
From: puborectalis	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 41369

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.

To: puborectalis who wrote (31581)	9/26/1999 11:02:00 AM
From: Pruguy	Respond to of 41369

If a deal like this were to be inked, where would AOL fit into the revenue picture for athm subscribers. other than hits on aol.com, what is in it for AOL..Since there was nomention of subscriber fees, I doubt that this story is very accurate. Despite the fact that athm is guaranteed to be very small for at least the next few years, I cant imagineAOL giving up any right to the subscriber fees for cable access. This is the oppopstie of what they are doing on their DSL deals