People Connection Blog

As They Say In Community, It's Never Really Goodbye...

Nancie Meng — 2008-02-08T11:47:00 00:00

Filed under: Off Topic, Status Updates, AIM Buddy Blog, Community Info, Marvelous Mob

After nine years and three months, today is my last day at AOL. It's been a wild ride, lots of fun, and a tremendous learning experience. Besides working with such great folks, where else could one have the opportunity to run such a large community operation and get to know some of the most interesting, savvy, and committed community members in the world? I will miss you, more than you know.

But... other opportunities, both personal and professional have been calling and the time is right for me to move on.

My AOL e-mail box will not work after today, so if you want to stay in touch, feel free to write to NYMeng@aol.com. You can also keep track of my daily activities by reading Hummingbird Mind.

Before you ask what I'll do with myself, I have some plans. Here's just a short list:

* Sleep
* Exercise
* Read
* Play with my new granddaughter
* Fish with my father
* Walk the beach
* Focus on the youth oriented non profit I started last year with some other parents
* Take many road trips
* Complete a book I've been writing

That's just a start. I plan to take off at least a month before starting some consulting work I've been offered.

I'll also still visit AOL communities, so if you see me online, feel free to ping me.

It's not goodbye, it's so long and see you soon.

-Nancie

P.S. Be good!

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This Is My Last Blog Entry.

Joseph Manna — 2008-02-07T17:37:00 00:00

Filed under: Status Updates, Social Media, Other Stuff, AIM Buddy Blog, Community Info

Hi, folks.

I just wanted to take a moment and inform you that this is my final blog entry on the Social Media Blog since tomorrow is my last day with AOL.

The Social Media Blog will be transitioned into the warm hands of Kelly Wilson. Hang tight for a bit as she irons out the final plans with the blog. If you'd like to stay on top of the Web 2.0 and technology in general, check out Frank Gruber's Somewhat Frank. (In his day job, he's a senior product manager for myAOL.)

That said, it's been my sincere pleasure to help and support all of you via this blog, message boards, e-mail and even Instant Message. If you'd like, you can still find me blogging on my personal blog.

Many thanks and take care. :-)

~Joseph

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Fix: Windows Vista and AIM 6.5 'Connection Status' Issue

Joseph Manna — 2008-01-30T18:20:00 00:00

Filed under: AIM Help, Status Updates, AIM 6, AIM Buddy Blog, Community Info

For a while now, those of you using the latest Microsoft operating system, Windows Vista, have reported a unique problem with AIM 6.5 and Vista where the network connections icon says you're disconnected, but you're not. Admittedly, it stumped us for a bit as we investigated -- but now we have a fix that should remedy this problem in just a few steps.

We posted the details regarding the fix on the AOL Help Web site, with an easy to remember URL so you can share it with your other buddies who use Windows Vista:

http://help.channels.aol.com/topic.adp?topicId=aim-6-windows-vista-fix2

Essentially, you will need to uninstall the AIM software, enable the User Account Control (UAC) security setting, download some Windows Updates, download and install AIM again. All these details (including pictures) are available at this help article. There's also a more colorful version of it available here, too.

We understand this can be frustrating and AIM and Microsoft teams are currently working on providing a long-term solution. In the meantime, be sure that you are using the latest version of AIM and install updates that you might receive in the future.

We'd like to know if this fixed the problem! Please feel welcome to leave feedback in the comments below, or drop on by the message board to discuss it with other avid AIM users.

~Joseph

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AIM 6.8 Beta is Now Available, Offers 'Real-Time IM'

Joseph Manna — 2008-01-10T15:37:00 00:00

Filed under: New Features, AIM 6, AIM Beta, Featured Items, AIM Buddy Blog, Community Info

Hi, folks.

I just wanted to let you know that a new version of AIM is available for testing. The newest feature that is being introduced is Real-Time IM.

Real-Time IM lets you directly connect to one of your buddies, and as you type, your buddy reads exactly what you're writing (or deleting, too). This new feature requires both buddies to use AIM 6.8 to try out this feature. The AIM team is interested to hear what you think about this new feature, so be sure to send your feedback.

Here are a few screen shots of this new feature:

Start a Real-Time IM via the Actions menu in an IM Window.

As your buddy is typing, you will see their text.

When your buddy finishes typing, their message will appear.

If you're interested in trying this out, head on over to AIM 6.8 Beta Test and learn more about the features and known issues in this version of AIM.

~Joseph

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5 Ways to Better Organize Your Buddy List

Joseph Manna — 2008-01-03T13:03:00 00:00

Filed under: User Experiences, AIM Help, AIM General, Other Stuff, AIM Buddy Blog, Community Info

Many popular AIM users have a common problem -- figuring out how to organize their Buddy List so it's functional and useful for them. I'll describe five ways you can better organize your Buddy List, so not only is it useful, it's cool, too.

Manage Your Groups
One of the most overlooked features of the Buddy List is the groups. You can create many more groups to sort your buddy list into categories more than just Family, Co-Workers and Buddies. Inside AIM 6.5, you can create a new group for your buddies by clicking on the +/- button and clicking Add Group. Make up a name for this group -- it's alright, only you can see this group. Here is where that menu is:
Use Friendly Names
Instead of "Buddy024453," you can name your buddies with Friendly Names, which makes it easier to see who they are without thinking about it. It can also save you from sending IMs to the wrong person by mistake. To do this, right-click on a screen name in your Buddy List and click Edit, then enter a nickname for your Buddy. Illustrated below is an example of my screen name turned into a Friendly Name:
Change Your Buddy List Display Settings
If you don't want to see your Buddies' status messages, you don't have to see it. You can adjust the view of your Buddy List anytime by clicking on the View menu and select Status Messages to hide or show status messages (small text below buddies), Offline Buddies to hide, show or group buddies who are offline into a group and more. You can also sort your Buddy List alphabetically or continue to separate it in groups.
Control those Buddy Notifications
The key to multitasking effectively while doing the things you love -- like updating your profile, sending an e-mail or posting a blog entry -- is to manage your distractions. One of the ways you can prevent your buddies from interrupting you, is to choose which Buddy Notifications you'd like to receive. To change your Buddy Notifications in AIM 6.5, press F7 (top row of your keyboard), click Notifications on the left side and select just the type of notifications you'd like to receive.
Link Those Names!
You most likely have more than one screen name, so AIM offers the ability to link up to seven different screen names together so you only need to sign in once to all of them simultaneously. Screen Name linking works with AIM Mail, too. To link your screen names, you can do it via the Web or a link within the AIM software by pressing F7:

There are probably more ways to organize your Buddy List, but it's clear that AIM 6.5 makes it easy and offers plenty of tools to help you chat with your buddies in an organized cool way. Got any suggestions or tips for organizing your Buddy List? Share them in the comments below. :-)

~Joseph

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What are AIM Profiles, Buddy Info and Status Messages?

Joseph Manna — 2007-12-28T14:45:00 00:00

Filed under: AIM Help, AIM 6, AIM Buddy Blog, Community Info, AIM Profiles Blog

I'm often asked about the differences between Profiles, Buddy Info and Status messages from AIM users. It's helpful to understand what they are and how you can manage them.

AIM Profiles (also known as "Member Directory" or "AIM Pages")
AIM Profiles are the public (or private) Web pages that you create that let you show off and tell the world all about you. AIM Profiles let you enter your favorite interests, photos, and Web links -- while also showing your Buddy Info and Status messages -- all in one page.

To edit your AIM Profile, navigate to http://editprofile.aim.com/ to get started or update it as necessary.

Buddy Info
AIM Buddy Info is a small Web page (of sorts) that AIM users can customize. Initially, AIM Buddy Info was only visible between only AIM users, but has since been posted on AIM Profiles. A popular use of the AIM Buddy Info is to post lyrics to a meaningful song, declare your relationship status or host links to your favorite Web sites. Currently, the Buddy Info has been expanded to allow pictures to be posted in it.

To edit your Buddy Info, you will need AIM software like AIM 6.5. From the AIM Buddy List, click the Edit menu then click My Buddy Info... and enter whatever you want (minding the TOS, of course).

Status Messages (also known as "Available" or "Away" Messages)
Status messages are just that -- they tell people if you're online, idle, away or even what music you're listening to. When you put up your away message and walk away from your computer, a message will be displayed informing your buddies that you are not at the computer. Status messages can also be set to serve as an away message if you're offline if you edit it and sign off.

You can manage your status messages by using AIM 6.5 and clicking on Enter a status message here..., located between your screen name and the top of the groups of buddies.

Alternatively, you may also change your Buddy Info directly from your AIM Profile by clicking on the "Edit" next to "Current Status."

Putting It All Together
Now that you know what these features are individually, you probably want to see what's the big deal about all these, right? AIM Profiles aggregates all this information into one page. With all these ways to post info about yourself, you can keep your Buddies in the know, even if you're not at the computer. Here is where everything is located on your profile:

On your AIM Profile, it will display this information for you automatically.

Still puzzled?
Post your questions in the comments below and we'll help the best we can.

~Joseph

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GMail Now Includes AIM!

Joseph Manna — 2007-12-05T16:51:00 00:00

Filed under: AIM Help, New Features, AIM General, Developers' Corner, Featured Items, AIM Buddy Blog, Community Info

Hey folks,

Do you know anyone who is a hardcore Google Mail (GMail) user? If so, spread the word that they can now sign into AIM, when checking their GMail.

GMail has included Google Talk (GTalk) into their e-mail product for quite some time, but it's been expanded to let you sign into AIM easily. This means all you need to do to enjoy AIM, is sign into your GMail to access your e-mail and chat with your buddies.

All this is made possible with the Open APIs available from AIM Developer (AIMcc), and the friendly folks over at Google who worked with us to provide the best user experience.

I tried this out yesterday and today, and it works flawlessly. Go ahead, try it out!

Learn more about this announcement from Google. Also, if you need help with this new feature, read up on it at the Google Help Center.

~ Joseph

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AIM Dashboard: Pardon Our Dust!

Carol Orsini — 2007-11-30T16:45:00 00:00

Filed under: AIM General, AIM Today, AIM Buddy Blog

To Our Loyal AIM Users:

Since our goal is to give you the best experience possible, AIM Dashboard will be on a short vacation for construction so we can bring you some great new changes. Don't fret, though -- AIM Today is back, giving you the same up-to-date news, buddy info and fresh content that we love bringing to you. We'll be back before you know it.

Thanks for bearing with us!
The AIM Team

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Don't be spooked! Download AIM 6.5!

Ryan Barnes — 2007-10-30T17:15:00 00:00

Filed under: AIM Help, AIM 6, AIM General, Did You Know?, AIM Buddy Blog

Greetings AIMkins,

I know Halloween is coming up, and I can assure you that it is really not a scary thing to download the new AIM 6.5 product. For those of you who might be on an older version, we have created a demo to walk you through our experience step-by-step.

So check out this AIM screencast for the latest on the new features and functionality.

It's not a trick, but a guaranteed treat!

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AIM Users: Mandatory Security Updates

Joseph Manna — 2007-10-22T16:02:00 00:00

Filed under: AIM Help, Privacy and Security, Status Updates, AIM 6, Featured Items, AIM Buddy Blog

Hey folks,

Very soon many of you will be seeing a mandatory upgrade notice from AIM. If you are on version AIM 6.1 or below or old versions of AIM Triton, you will see this message. This service update will bring you up to version AIM 6.5 which contains important security updates along with several new features.

The message will come from screen name AOL System Msg, and will say:

AOL System Msg: Hey there! Thanks for signing on. AIM service will apply a mandatory security update. Start the update process now.

You do not need to enter your screen name or password. The link will take you directly to http://www.aim.com/upgrade/ and is totally free. In case you want to double check, here is what the site will look like, much more scaled down of course:

Important Upgrade: Simply click the 'Install Now' button to upgrade.

Users on AIM 6.1 or 6.2 will receive a toaster pop-up (meaning it appears in the right corner, like toast popping out of the toaster) in the corner prompting them to install the update. It looks like this:

Toasted: AIM 6.5 Security Update

Alternatively, you can close the IM and download AIM 6.5 directly from AIM.com. Be advised that if you don't update your version of AIM, you may be blocked from accessing the version of AIM service you are using in the future (and we don't want that).

If you have questions on upgrading or want to share tips with other users, come visit the AIM Help & Support Message Board.

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Design Away: AIM Iconography Contest

Barbara McNally — 2007-10-10T17:16:00 00:00

Filed under: AIM General, Featured Items, AIM Buddy Blog

Calling all "Artsy Fartsy" people, and even those of you who don't fall into this category.

AIM is reaching out to all users out there and opening up the design of its icons to the general public through a contest. The contest is being hosted by Top Coder Studio and will run from October 9th through November 6th, 2007.

The contest includes designing 24 icons, in 4 different sizes. The winner will not only get a nice cash prize, but also see the icons included in a future release of AIM and used throughout the AIM Network.

More information is available on the AIM Product Design blog.

If you are feeling a bit creative, jump in and join the competition. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.

Good Luck!!!!!!

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To Juggle Or to Fish? That Is the Question.

Lorelei Logsdon — 2007-10-10T10:02:00 00:00

Filed under: Expressions Factory, AIM Buddy Blog

Just when you thought we couldn't possibly give you any more awesome Wallmation games than we already have, here I am to prove you wrong! (In case you missed it, here's the introduction to Wallmations for a little background information on what they are.)

The object here in Boat Fishing is (I bet you can't guess!) to catch some fish. Just because I like you, I will give you a little hint: try to get the hook near the fish's nose as it's going down. And don't make fun of me for only catching one fish in 91 seconds. It's not polite.

Now, if you thought I was bad at fishing, just wait until you see me try Juggling. See that pink ball? That's seconds before impact. I'm sure you can do much better.

Come visit us over at Expressions to check out the latest and greatest!

~Lorelei :)

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Commenting: Managing Feast and Famine

Joe Loong — 2007-10-08T20:30:00 00:00

Filed under: Blogging, AIM Today, AIM Buddy Blog, Social Media Mess

We've been getting a ton of comments on two entries recently, because of two high-traffic links. One is Carol's entry on the upcoming AIM Dashboard page, featured on the top of AIM Today:

The other is Jen's entry on the AIM/Bebo announcement -- it's in a Bebo blog entry featured on the Bebo main page:

Both of these entries are getting lots of comments, and even more comment notifications. (We get e-mail from the tool every time someone posts a comment -- even if the person never verifies it and it doesn't go live. I'm afraid it's going to burn out Jen's poor Blackberry.)

Nothing wrong with comments, right? We love comments. We complain when we don't get enough comments, and we do silly things to try to get more (I still need to do a post-mortem on 10/4 Day, which again went nowhere because I was a big slacker.)

However, here we have a completely different set of problems -- what to do when you get too many comments. Especially off-topic, nasty or spam comments.

Now, the gap between what blog owners hope for (well-reasoned, insightful, comprehensible comments) and what blog commenters actually do is usually pretty wide. Like I say, high-traffic blogs attract TIPS: trolls, idiots, psychos and spammers.

However, in this case, especially since the AIM and Bebo crowds are pretty young, we're getting a lot of "yo, wazzup" comments. Nothing malicious; just not a lot we can reply to. Mostly people who want to say hi and meet other people. (From all over the world: I've seen lots of comments from the UK, Ireland, India, Australia -- as well as many others.)

It's just that the blog comments here is probably not the right place for this kind of socializing. So, unfortunately, I've been kind of a goon, deleting a lot of off-topic comments.

However, it's really, really important to find ways to get people who want to meet other people talking to each other. I think we can do this with AIM Chat (Web chats powered by Userplane) -- it's in testing right now, and it should be a way to get people chatting with each other (where they don't have to worry about a stiff like me deleting their comments).

We'll talk more about AIM Chat soon.

Do you think I'm being a jerk when it comes to deleting comments? Leave me one, tell me what you think.

Thanks -- Joe

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Halloween Is Almost Here!

Lorelei Logsdon — 2007-10-08T16:14:00 00:00

Filed under: Expressions Factory, AIM Buddy Blog

Look what arrived just in time for Halloween! We have a brand new interactive game called Pumpkins that is now available for your ghoulish pleasure. Match three same-colored pumpkins to clear them -- but do it quick 'cause if they touch the edge of the screen you lose the game and have to start over!

As you can see from the screen shot above, I need a lot of practice to get beyond the first level. Let me get back to working on that... Let's see how well you do!

~Lorelei :)

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Screencast: Stream Music With Buddies Using the AIM Tunes Beta Plug-In

Ryan Barnes — 2007-10-05T19:10:00 00:00

Filed under: AIM 6, AIM Beta, AIM Buddy Blog

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to give you more info on a new feature, AIM Tunes, that is available now with AIM 6.5 (you can download AIM 6.5 here).

Honestly, if you are a music lover like I am, you will never stop using this to stream music to and from your buddies. For more information about this sweet plug-in, check out this earlier entry: Listen to Your Buddy's Tunes for Free.

Better yet, we've got a video screencast that shows you how to use AIM Tunes, step by step. See the video (it's just over two minutes) after the jump.

Click to see the AIM Tunes screencast demo at full-size.

Like what you see? Get the AIM Tunes plug-in, and try AIM Tunes!

Rock on!

Ryan

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AIM 6.5 Makes Its Prime Time Debut

Barbara McNally — 2007-10-03T15:01:00 00:00

Filed under: AIM 6, Featured Items, AIM Buddy Blog

Drum roll, please! The much anticipated AIM 6.5 version is finally here. Version 6.5.4.16 launched this morning and can be downloaded from http://www.aim.com. You can read the official press release right here.

This version touts new features like:

* Status Message: Now you can set a personal message that will be displayed regardless of whether you are away, idle, available, etc. This is similar to the past away messages that could be personalized but only displayed when you set yourself away.

* AIM(R) Tunes Plugin: During the AIM Install, you can choose to add this plugin. Once activated, upon signing into AIM, you will be able to stream non-DRM music that your buddies have added to their playlists. AIM users can listen to the music on their PCs anytime their buddies are online while fully respecting copyright issues of the music industry. AIM Tunes does not require a separate media player download.
(NOTE: If you are running version 0.0.0.6 you will need to download the latest version [0.0.0.7]. To find your AIM Tunes version, open the AIM Tunes website and click "About AIM(R) Tunes." At very bottom of the pop-up you can find the version number.)

* Buddy Notes: You can add notes (that only you see) to each person on your Buddy List simply by mousing over them when your Buddy List window is active and choosing "Add notes".

* Tips From AIM: When you open a new IM window for the first time every AIM session, you will see a "Tip from AIM" appear to hopefully help enhance your knowledge of some of the lesser-known features of AIM.

* QQ Games from Tencent: Also during installation, you can opt to install another AIM plugin that will permit you to play select Massively Multiplayer Casual games with your AIM Buddies. These games include QQ Treasure Hunter, QQ Match Master, QQ Pool, QQ Robo and QQ Black Jack. Keep checking back as Tencent is continuing to enhance the selection of games that are offered.

* Toolbar for AIM: This AIM release also offers you the ability to install an AIM Browser toolbar to provide one-click access to perform some of the important IM functions without leaving your web browser. These functions include sending an IM, setting your status, checking your email and searching the web.

In addition, there are several enhanced features such as
* TXT Message Mode: Easily toggle between sending a buddy a text message or an IM.

* More Color Themes: Selecting the color wheel at the top of the Buddy List Window provides several color schemes you can choose to change the theme colors of your AIM software. Among these choices are themes such as "Boot Cut" " and "Midnight Storm."

* Linked Accounts BL/Away Display Updates: When you have a linked account, you can more easily see the status and personality of each of your accounts right at the top of your Buddy List. Moreover, when you go away, you can see all of the away messages being displayed right in your IM window for each linked account.

And for those mobile users, a new AIM shortcode (246246) "AIMAIM" will be available later this week. Using this text message shortcode, you will be able to send IMs, update your status message, and perform several more IM related tasks. Keep checking back here - we will not only announce when it is available, but also be able to provide more details on how to use this new shortcode.

Please keep checking back here as we'll be providing more details on what you will find in the new AIM 6.5 software. In addition, we will be providing "how-to-guides" to use these features.

Happy IMing!!!

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Your AIM Dashboard Page Is Coming!

Carol Orsini — 2007-10-03T08:50:00 00:00

Filed under: AIM 6, AIM General, AIM Today, Did You Know?, AIM Buddy Blog

Yes, yes, sometimes change can be scary. But come on, you've mastered text messaging, AIM Dashboard is a walk in the park ... and almost as cool. We're giving you a little preview of what's to come -- a peep show, if you will.

First things first, the things that you love and adore will all be there. You'll get the latest LiLo and Britney gossip (seriously, can we still discuss her VMA performance?), gaming news, music and TV updates, and other stuff. Like real news.

One of the first things you'll notice when you come to the new page is your mini-pic, like the one below. (That's Jen, we don't let her or her tongue out much.) Wait, WHAT? You haven't created your AIM Profile yet? Don't worry, we'll tell you how later. Baby steps. Baby steps.

If you haven't created your AIM Profile, you'll see a different minipic. Yes, this is your shadow. Who knew you were actually a gray man with short hair and no face? He's sexy, right? No? Moving on. Just click the little "edit profile" and add your pic. We won't judge.

All right, we're only giving you one more teaser. You'll be able to update your Status right from your AIM Dashboard Page. Everyone wants to know the minor details of your life. Off to the mall? Doing homework? Stalking your ex? Do tell.

That's it. Our lips are sealed. For now, we're chilling the champagne (sparkling cider ... for the underagers) in anticipation of our big launch. Check back here for more updates.

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AIM Meets Bebo

Jennifer Nestel — 2007-10-03T08:45:00 00:00

Filed under: AIM 6, AIM General, AIM Today, Did You Know?, AIM Buddy Blog

Have you heard the news? AIM(R) and Bebo are BFF - and if you're a user of both services, there are some pretty cool features you might not know about. If you don't use both, you now have plenty of reasons to rethink that strategy! So what exactly is new?

Presence

Picture this -- you're cruising through a bunch of Bebo profiles, and one catches your eye. Maybe it's your buddy from high school, your college roommate or a perfect stranger you're just dying to meet.

You notice the AIM chat bubble icon just below the photo. What does it mean? It tells you that this Bebo user not only uses AIM to IM buddies, but also that he or she is online right this instant!

What better way to be able to communicate in real time? Simply click on the "chat" link that appears, and an IM window will open so you can start chatting right away. How convenient!

Web AIM(R)

This is just a fancy-schmancy name for the IM window that will pop up once you click the "chat" link on the Bebo profile. It looks a little different than the traditional AIM IM window that you might be used to, but it basically works in the same way.

All-New AIM(R) Client

Of course, this wouldn't be complete without a customized AIM/Bebo experience to go along with the rest of the new features that you'll be able to enjoy.

Don't worry, you won't need to learn how to use your Buddy List(R) features all over again if you've already downloaded AIM. You can just download a new version or your first version that is special for AIM and Bebo. Take a moment to download the AIM/Bebo client today.

AIM(R) Friend Finder

Time to get friendly! The chief idea-makers at Bebo and AIM decided that friends should be friends wherever you roam. So to make keeping in touch and chatting with your best buds easy as pie, they've created the AIM Friend Finder. The AIM Friend Finder allows Bebo users to check and see which of their AIM Buddies are already up and running on the Bebo service and invite them to be friends. How cool is that? Plus, if you've got AIM Buddies who aren't on the Bebo service, you can send them invites to join in on the fun of Bebo. It's really that simple. Why not give it a try?

What's Next?

Stay tuned for exciting new features that will link your AIM(R) Buddy List(R) and your life on Bebo even more! Get started!

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Donkeys and Elephants! Oh My!

Lorelei Logsdon — 2007-10-02T12:22:00 00:00

Filed under: Expressions Factory, AIM Buddy Blog

Here are two more brand-new SuperBuddy icons! The Democratic Donkey and the Republican Elephant have just joined the Expressions family.

Have fun showing your political side!

~Lorelei :)

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Latest AIM 6.5 Beta is Here

Barbara McNally — 2007-10-01T17:39:00 00:00

Filed under: AIM 6, AIM Beta, Featured Items, AIM Buddy Blog

Hello, everyone,

Well, just like we promised we've made another AIM 6.5 Beta available. Look below to see the new, cool features we added in addition to those we've updated.

More Theme Colors: Click the color wheel at the top right of the Buddy List window and select color schemes like "Grape of Wrath," "Ooze," and "Big Money".

Streaming Music: During the AIM install, select the option to Install AIM Tunes. Once you've completed the AIM and AIM Tunes installations, sign on to the AIM client. From the Actions button at the bottom of the Buddy List Window, choose AIM Tunes to initiate this feature. Then you can choose to customize your playlist, upload new music, and check out what your buddies are listening to. You can also reference a recent blog entry about this for more info.

One-Click to Open Buddy Info: Back by popular demand, we have returned the one-click to view your buddy's Buddy Info. When you see the blue "info" icon appear in your Buddy List window upon mousing over a name, you can click this icon to view that user's Buddy Info. You will continue to see the orange "info" indicator in the Buddy List to signify that user has an update available for viewing.

Buddy Info Design Update: Using the same access method mentioned above, you can now see Status messages in the Buddy Info windows in addition to viewing an updated feeds area.

Audio/Video Updates: New software updates have been made to improve Live Video performance under low bandwidth conditions. We've also added more default device options found in your Enhanced IM settings.

Enhanced Call Notifications: Never miss a call again! If you use AIM Phoneline, you will now receive incoming call alerts, both as an alert and directly in your IM window (if you are using tabbed IMs).

Connection Settings: For users who are having difficulty connecting to AIM we have updated the Connection settings tab to include more web-based help information about connection settings, proxies, and firewalls. We also combined the HTTP/HTTPS protocols so now AIM will always try your secured network if you manually select this option. To access the settings, choose the Edit menu from the top of the AIM Buddy List window. Then choose Settings... and click the Connection tab.

Let us know what you think about these new and improved features. And, as always, please let us know if you are having any problems, or see something you think should be improved.

Happy IMing!!!

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