Ask & AOL

AOL Upgrades Flash And Mobile Versions Of AIM

New York - AOL today took the wraps off of two new AIM updates geared toward keeping the mobile user connected, AIM Express 7.0, a new Flash-based Web version of its popular AIM service, enabling users to chat with friends and family without having to install software.

So users can now say goodbye to all previously annoying presumptions on the part of AIM software, as the present Aim Express runs in a pop-up browser window and is intended for computer users who are unwilling or unable to install the regular AIM software.

In a move that aims at strengthening AOL’s stable of social networks, the company on Friday confirmed that it has signed an agreement to acquire Socialthing!, a Boulder-based start-up that helps’ people handle the social networking sites they frequent, into its People Networks division, pending the satisfaction of certain undisclosed closing conditions.

Affirming the news that had first been leaked to TechCrunch two weeks ago, the social network service called SocialThing -- which has yet to emerge from private beta -- but yesterday on their blog founder and CEO Matt Galligan confirms the acquisition. 

In conveying his appreciation to them he says he is thrilled but recognizes that AOL is not exactly what it used to be. None of the financial details have been released.

AOL Reduces Weak Properties, Focuses On Ads

New York - Unable to gain a solid stand in the personal media space, AOL plans to scrape its Bluestring, a site to share videos, music, and photos; Xdrive, a general-purpose online storage service; and AOL Pictures, where people could store and share photos, as the Time Warner unit is putting great effort in its transition from a business model based on subscription fees to one based on advertising revenue, according to a July 14 memo from Kevin Conroy, AOL’s executive vice president of products and marketing.

 “The memo was published Thursday by TechCrunch.”

“Add a tiny photo application to display pictures of your dog on Facebook, and you might find you are really spreading an ad.”

New York -- Time Warner Inc.’s AOL on Wednesday announced the integration of Goowy, a small startup technology it acquired earlier this year from Goowy Media Inc., into its digital advertising arm Platform-A, to help advertisers pitch their products and services at social-networking sites, which have struggled to generate revenue despite heavy traffic.

Widgets are tiny Web-based programs, and widget ads offer more interactive possibilities than conventional ads. Goowy is now part of AOL’s People Networks business and was acquired by AOL in February 2008 to improve its widget push.

New York -- Confronted with an uncertain future and distressing ad business, AOL Health announced content partnerships with a triad of health sites that offers a resource for comprehensive health information for the entire family, the Time Warner subsidiary said Monday.

The new content partners include: Caring.com, which features articles and guidance focusing on how to care for elderly patients; HealthCare.com, provides access to its Care Provider Search, which offers a listings of more than 1.3 million medical and dental professionals across the United States, depending on location, medical specialty, and health insurance plan; and Health.com, the online channel of Time Warner Inc.’s Health magazine, which shares health-related articles, quizzes, image galleries and videos and health tips for patients.