AOL has released the first beta version of its new web mail client. A free AOL account (AOL or AIM Screen Name) is needed to participate in the beta program. Windows 98 and Opera are currently not supported. Mac OS X only works with Firefox: Safari also incompatible. Once signed up, in order to switch back to AOL or AIM mail, a user can still sign in at mail.aol.com.
What can you expect to find with this Web Mail beta?
- A new look and feel that provides you with more room to read and view messages.
- One-click to your new messages: The Today page has transformed into the Today "curtain," which you can quickly show or hide. You can choose to view the latest headlines or go immediately to a new message.
- In-line read and compose: No more popping out each and every message in a new window - unless you want to, of course! You can individually pop-out a message or change your preference in Settings to pop-out messages every time.
- Scrolling list view: No more paging through all of your messages! With Cayman, all of your messages will appear in one scrolling list.
- New and improved panels: We have included a People Panel with hover controls and short-cuts to email, IM, or edit the contact; a To Do"s Panel; and a panel with TMZ.com feeds. Look for more panels in the near future!
- Add/Edit folders more quickly: You can now add a new folder from within the folder list view and edit/delete folders more easily.
- Improved contacts: With Cayman, we have included buddy icons and AIM-like hover controls when you roll-over a contact name. You can initiate an IM or email in just one click!