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AOL Beta Tests IE Based Browser

By David Worthington, BetaNews

October 11, 2004, 8:03 PM

As first reported by eWeek's Craig Newell, America Online is currently beta testing a dramatically modified Internet Explorer based Web browser it calls "AOL Browser."

AOL Browser is independent from the AOL client software and can be run as a standalone application. Although the browser is built on top of the Microsoft's IE core, many features that are found in AOL's Netscape have been included in the release.

Typically, Internet Explorer is not associated with "tabbed browsing," an option that permits users to view more than one Web page in the same window. Savvy surfers know that this feature is found in alternative Web browsers including AOL's own Netscape package. AOL has uprooted that convention by adding a feature called "tear-off tabs" to its IE-powered browser.

Tear-off tabs can be pulled away from their original window and spun off into a new window. Other features include a group privacy option dubbed "clear my footprints" that will allow users to empty their browser cache, eliminate cookies, block pop-up advertisements, and wipe their browsing history slate clean.

Additionally, AOL has borrowed a page from the Omni Group playbook: According to the AOL beta site, tabs and toolbar buttons will display preview images of Web pages when users pass the cursor over them.

AOL's decision to use Microsoft software under the hood has caught many industry watchers by surprise. AOL already funds development of Mozilla browser technology, which the company utilizes in its Netscape offerings. But Jupiter Research senior analyst Joe Wilcox notes that Microsoft's decision to slow IE development has left the door open for companies such as AOL to innovate.

"It would make sense that AOL would consider a lighter, browser client for some customers that offered new functions and better usability than Internet Explorer. AOL also could take more control over branding and services, which would be important for expanding customer relationships and company's product portfolio," said Wilcox.

When asked for comment, an AOL spokesperson told BetaNews, "This beta test is part of our continual efforts to test concepts and technologies."

Add a Comment (12 Comments)

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By MissGerri

edited May 29, 2008 - 8:26 PM

Several days ago I advised that I am not able to open the aol desktop I have used since open ride. It opens to looking for aol authorization and then freezes and will not go any further. Help what can I do I want to get to my emails

Score: 0

By Barny72

edited Apr 25, 2007 - 4:02 AM

Hp is one among the best products. I prefer Hp and that is what i use and i do recommend it to both industrial and private use. Request that you should keep up the excellence of best. I believe one day it will sweep through the entire continents.
I love HP.
Long live HP.
Barny

Score: 0

By bourgeoisdude

posted Oct 12, 2004 - 2:45 PM

...isn't aol already using a *modified* Internet Explorer?

Score: 0

By RobertM

posted Oct 12, 2004 - 5:16 PM

If you want to think of it that way, but the current "browser" in AOL is nothing but a child window of the main AOL software with an IE control it it.

On the other hand, this a separate external browser, comparable to Maxthon, Avant, and that kind of "browsers."

Score: 0

By Pipewrench

posted Oct 12, 2004 - 9:46 AM

You know what this tells the world?

AOL thinks that their own browser (Netscape) sucks so bad that they don't even want to use it for their own stuff.

Great Job AOL. Way to show how little you know. :)

LOL....what goofballs.

Score: 0

By zagman76

posted Oct 11, 2004 - 10:09 PM

So... why is it that AOL, who OWNS their own browser, is coming out with an IE based browser, aimed at NON-Aol users...??!?!

If luser "X" doesn't use AOL, then why would they use their browser? It seems like someone over at AOL needs to re-think their business model...

Score: 0

By RobertM

posted Oct 12, 2004 - 5:19 PM

What makes you think it's aimed at non-AOL users?

In either case, though, it's certainly better user-wise than IE, but I'd much prefer Gecko for the millions of people to whom this may be targeted who know no better.

Score: 0

By notdarkyet

posted Oct 12, 2004 - 12:05 AM

why would it be a dumb business move?

All users of IE aren't MSN customers, but Microsoft seems to do pretty well with IE...what with being the #1 browser and all...
-justin

Score: 0

By morriscox

posted Oct 12, 2004 - 6:24 PM

AOL doesn't come preinstalled and integrated into Windows. One of the major reasons IE is so popular is that it's the default browser and guaranteed to be on any Windows computer (unless someone has used a program to remove it, which is rare). If Microsoft suddenly replaced IE with another browser, IE would be dead (eventually).

Score: 0

By madda

posted Oct 12, 2004 - 11:32 AM

they prolly chose IE because it allievates the problems with secure webmail pages that netscape had, and also if they have any problems they can just say that its because IE was designed badly! :)