America Online launched on Wednesday the latest version of its instant messaging software, expanding support for sharing pictures and adding several subscription-based features. As earlier reported, AOL Instant Messenger 5.9 adds a collection of new features meant to encourage personalization of the messaging application, including animated buddy icons, sound effects and "wallpaper" images.
A handful of the personalization upgrades will be marketed via subscription, as AOL attempts to garner revenue from the software which it distributes for free via download. The company will charge $1.95 for a monthly subscription to its expanded package of personalization tools, dubbed as AIM Expressions, and offer a yearlong subscription to the service for $9.95. AOL is also selling its animated SuperBuddy icons for $1.95 each, or three for $4.95. The subscription IM business is part of AOL's overall strategy for revenue diversification to supplement its declining dial-up ISP business.
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I discovered later (not when downloading) that 5.9 is a BETA! It is unperfected.
I had to Remove 5.9 and TRY to find a DOWNGRADE! I found it only by putting "AIM Version 5.5" in my address bar. The AIM homepage does not tell you that older versions ARE available!
Now my AIM is working perfectly again and I have no more "dangerously low resource" messages or problems! HOWEVER, I can no longer use Expressions, as THEY can ONLY be used on Version 5.9 now.
So . . . don't waste your money buying into Expressions and DON'T get the 5.9 Version until it is perfected! My next project will be TRYING to get a REFUND for Expressions.