AOL Explorer Gets Widgets, Themes
AOL is continuing development of its alternative Internet Explorer based Web browser, tacking on a number of new features for version 1.5. The new release, currently in beta testing, will be the first major update since AOL Explorer debuted last July.
Atop the list of improvements is a Desktop Widgets feature that enables users to "tear off" a Side Panel and place it on the Windows desktop. The panel can then be used independently of AOL Explorer. Opera Software is adding widgets to the new 9.0 release of its browser as well.
AOL has also extended its thumbnail preview feature, which pops up a small image of a Web site when the mouse cursor is hovering over a tab. With version 1.5, the thumbnails will appear over hyperlinks on Web sites in order to give users an idea of the page content before they click.
RSS functionality has additionally been bolstered with a standalone screensaver. From the Feeds Side Panel, users can choose to install the screensaver, which scrolls the latest news from selected RSS feeds.
Finally, themes are now available to enable users to customize their AOL Explorer experience. AOL is making available five themes for the beta release, but plans to expand this selection upon release. The company did not say whether users themselves can create or submit their own themes.
AOL Explorer 1.5 is expected to leave beta in the coming weeks, and the company is promising to continue delivering new features over time.
"As part of our ongoing development cycle, we'll be making continuous enhancements and improvements to AOL Explorer on a regular basis," a company spokesperson told BetaNews. "We're expecting to test and introduce some all-new features soon."
The AOL Explorer 1.5 beta is available for download via FileForum.