Slimy Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 (edited) Latest version: 0.30 Responding to the requests of its more advanced users, AOL has begun developing a new lightweight AIM client that includes just the basic instant messaging functionality without all the frills. Called AIM ET, the software is available from AOL's Greenhouse site that offers previews of new products.Since the late 1990s, instant messaging clients have become more than just text-based communication tools. They include a wide range of functionality like voice and video chat, integrated blogging and even the ability to make phone calls. But for those looking for a basic IM experience, much of the additions have simply amounted to extraneous "bloat." In turn, savvy consumers have turned to third-party clients such as Trillian, or even AOL's new AIM Pro software designed for businesses. Google has also entered the fray with its simple Google Talk software that has primarily appealed to those looking for something less bulky that AIM Triton or Windows Live Messenger. "One thing I've been pushing for at AOL since I got here almost a year ago is a light version of AIM. Ted Leonsis, Jim Bankoff, and Jon Miller and I have had countless discussions about the issue and we've made huge progress," says Netscape.com head Jason Calacanis. "This is really the future of AOL: light, fast, free products that compliment our bigger, more feature-rich products." AIM ET is designed to answer this demand. It removes all but the primary IM functionality from AIM, and contains no advertising. The software utilizes very few system resources, making it ideal for those with older machines. Still in prototype form, it's unclear whether AOL will officially release AIM ET and under what branding. Calacanis notes that the names "AIM Light" or "Light AIM" are under consideration. However, AOL has developed a number of new products over the years, such as AOL Media Player, that have never seen the light of day. But Calacanis seems confident that AIM ET represents the direction AOL is headed as it migrates from an ISP to offering open Web services to all users. "Drop everything and go play with it," he says, "this is the future of AOL: light, open, cutting-edge, and elite as well as mass market." AIM ET 1.07 is available for download now from FileForum. Source Edited October 17, 2006 by slimy Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trong Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 Sound's great, I wonder what it's like. EDIT: Bah, when they said it was just straight IMing, they meant it. It's too boring and quiet for me. No profiles either! Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587924025 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ObiWanToby Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 (edited) Wow, this is actually nice. I wonder if that AIM+Google thing is interop? Edited October 2, 2006 by Intelman Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587924032 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOC Veteran Posted October 2, 2006 Veteran Share Posted October 2, 2006 Sound's great, I wonder what it's like. It's AIM...Lite. It's exactly what you would expect, UI is sexy as hell, no "bloat" features, just file tranfser as far as I can tell and it only uses 1.4 megs of memory in the systray (about 7 when pulled up) and it's very sleek. I'd say this is about as good if not better than miniaim as far as minimal AIM clients go (Y) But again, it's an AOL product. I await the bashing as per the usual AOL threads. Come on guys, you know you want to! Wow, this is actually nice. I wonder if that AIM+Google thing is interop? Oooh, might wanna blot out your buddy names there. Just a tip :| Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587924043 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Des429 Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 looks kinda cool but im using aim 5.2 right now and its only using 5mb of memory when its opened. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587924057 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOC Veteran Posted October 2, 2006 Veteran Share Posted October 2, 2006 Sound's great, I wonder what it's like. EDIT: Bah, when they said it was just straight IMing, they meant it. It's too boring and quiet for me. No profiles either! You are actually complaining because it's exactly what's advertised? :| looks kinda cool but im using aim 5.2 right now and its only using 5mb of memory when its opened. And AIM 5.2 has been optimized and bug fixed and streamlined after months of work. AIM ET is brand new and the first version, I'm sure it has streamlining and optimizing to be done as well. Not to mention it is an early beta :) Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587924060 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlynch Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 is this the same thing as the "AIM Pro" thing they had out a while ago? I liked that.. a good compromise between 5.9 and triton... Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587924074 Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOC Veteran Posted October 2, 2006 Veteran Share Posted October 2, 2006 is this the same thing as the "AIM Pro" thing they had out a while ago? I liked that.. a good compromise between 5.9 and triton... No it isn't. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587924078 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trong Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 But it doesn't even have sounds! I can't even change my font. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587924115 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toology Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 It's a step in the right direction but I still prefer miniaim which is light on resources but not excessively light on features. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587924210 Share on other sites More sharing options...
brand Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 AIMLite Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587924499 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shuu Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 wtf button ftw. wow. uber-simple like woa. i could do without the black border, though. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587924657 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Live Veteran Posted October 3, 2006 Veteran Share Posted October 3, 2006 I thought AIM Pro was pretty decent (I still use Trillian, but AIM Pro was a vast improvement over Triton). Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587924959 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AQUaDeX Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 lol I love the wtf button, it's not the what-the-f*** we all know, it stands for "what's this for"! :D this is a little bit too light imo, but since this is merely just a prototype I assume they have better things planned for AIM Lite. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587925212 Share on other sites More sharing options...
monacelli Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 It's skinned just like Aim 6.0, only this time the skin is... black! Why do they feel the need to do this? It's why I (and probably countless others) refuse to run anything after Aim 5.9. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587925241 Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxdesmus Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 (edited) AIM ET is a reference application for testing some new client technology developed here at AOL, with the intent of being simple, fun and light. Provides a fast, no-frills AIM experience.This is a preview version which may expire Brand new beta version...very lightweight, no frills, no useless features, only using 9mb of ram! :yes: Screenshots coming when I get home from work... Aim Lite Edited October 3, 2006 by xxdesmus Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587926405 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZonoBurk Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 (edited) Thanks for the screen shots. EDIT: Well you did have some posted. :s Edited October 3, 2006 by MchWalte Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587926494 Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxdesmus Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 damn the world, you're right :blush: just close this :yes: Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587926526 Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxdesmus Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 @monacelli I agree, I hate applications that use custom skins/UI...it's the only problem I have with Trillian as well. I've commented to the developers countless times about how irritating it is, and how just an option would be much appreciate :yes: Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587926537 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si Veteran Posted October 3, 2006 Veteran Share Posted October 3, 2006 Threads merged Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587926548 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randolph Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 @monacelli I agree, I hate applications that use custom skins/UI...it's the only problem I have with Trillian as well. I've commented to the developers countless times about how irritating it is, and how just an option would be much appreciate :yes: I agree. I miss the classic "Windows Classic" look. :no: Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587926568 Share on other sites More sharing options...
beanboy89 Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 looks kinda cool but im using aim 5.2 right now and its only using 5mb of memory when its opened. Same here. I've been using AIM 5.2 plus DeadAIM for years now and I've been very reluctant to try out any newer AIM versions because all the bad reports I've heard from AIM 5.5+ and Triton. Lately, though, is seems that AOL is headed in the right direction with AIM. I may just take this new AIM "ET" for a spin. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587926848 Share on other sites More sharing options...
AltecXP Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 the ram bounces a lot from 2-15mb it gives the ram back but it does seem to spike some. I like it over all Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587926887 Share on other sites More sharing options...
eilegz Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 not bad at all but in minimalistic i think that google talk its better Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587926937 Share on other sites More sharing options...
sorlag Posted October 3, 2006 Share Posted October 3, 2006 That client will end up as other light editions, like icq did... Lite until they start adding features (bloat) again :laugh: Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/500351-aol-testing-light-version-of-aim/#findComment-587926957 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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