AOL Announces Updates to AIM Service.

AIM Integration with AOL Web Mail to Launch in Coming Weeks; Several Other Enhancements Included in New Vista-Ready AIM 6.1 and AOL Toolbar 5.0

DULLES, Va. -- AOL announced today that it will soon start beta testing a new version of AOL Web Mail that includes expanded integration of the AIM service. AOL also announced availability of new Vista-ready versions of the AIM service and AOL Toolbar.

"AIM helps people stay connected whether at home, on their laptops, or on their cell phones," said Marcien Jenckes, Senior Vice President, Messaging and Social Media. "Now, we're making it even easier by letting AIM users send instant messages from more places, such as right from AOL Web Mail and the AOL Toolbar. Plus, a new Vista-ready client ensures a first-rate experience while working in the new operating system."

Coming Soon: Expanded AIM Integration in AOL Web Mail

In the coming weeks, AOL will upgrade its current AOL[R] Web Mail beta test (codename: Cayman) with expanded integration of the AIM[R] service that will enable users to access AIM and their Buddy List[R] feature, and conduct AIM conversations without leaving the Web mail experience. AOL Web Mail has included AIM functionality since 2004.

Other new AIM features in the AOL Web Mail upgrade will include a Buddy List that highlights frequent contacts in the existing "People Panel", and the ability to choose between sending a message via mail or IM.

For more information on the "Cayman" test, please visit http://beta.aol.com.

AIM 6.1: Now Vista Compatible

Available as a free download later this week at http://www.aim.com, the new AIM service is Microsoft Vista[TM] compatible and offers a variety of new features, including:

* Mobile Enhancements: Users can send either an offline IM or an SMS message when a buddy logs off of AIM, and restrict those who can send an instant message to their cell phone.

* Buddy List Docking: Lets AIM users attach their Buddy List to either side of their desktop, resizing the desktop so other applications don't cover the Buddy List.

* Buddy List Color Picker: Users can change the color of their Buddy List, as well as related IM window elements, choosing from 10 colors.

* Account Linking Update: Lets users view all linked accounts at the top of the Buddy List, as well as set individual away messages and invisibility for each linked screen name.

AOL has recently launched several other Vista-compatible products, including AOL[R] 9.0 VR (Vista Ready), AOL[R] OpenRide[R] 1.5, AOL Mail and the AIM Gadget, a mini-application that puts email and instant message features at Vista users' fingertips. Each is available for download at http://www.aol.com.

AOL Toolbar 5.0: Upgraded Opt-In Feature for AIM 6.1

The new AOL[R] Toolbar 5.0 is an opt-in AIM feature that lets users open a new instant message window1 or preview their email right from the toolbar on their Internet Explorer browser. A one-time sign-in feature lets users sign in once and access all of their AOL services. Starting tomorrow, a standalone version of the Vista-ready toolbar can be downloaded from http://toolbar.aol.com. For Firefox users, the new AOL 5.0 toolbar will be available the week of April 2.

About the AIM[R] Service

The AIM[R] service (http://www.aim.com) is at the center of one of the largest and most dynamic online and mobile communities. It provides developers with an open and modular platform for development and access to millions of Americans at http://developer.aim.com. The AIM service is where users go to find their friends and manage their social lives through instant messaging, email and mobile texting as well as robust voice and video services.

About AOL

AOL is a global Web services company that operates some of the most popular Web destinations, offers a comprehensive suite of free software and services, runs the country's largest Internet access business, and provides a full set of advertising solutions. A majority-owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. AOL LLC is based in Dulles, Virginia. AOL and its subsidiaries also have operations in Europe, Canada and Asia. Learn more at AOL.com.

Note:

1 The AIM user must also be signed into the AIM client.