AOL launched a complete revamp of their instant messaging platform today, releasing new apps for both desktops and mobile devices. AIM has also gained new features, such as syncing of chat logs, and easier sharing of photos, videos and Twitter updates.
The new apps also include better privacy settings, and can turn chat syncing off if they don’t want their conversation stored on AOL’s server. Also new are integrated Google Talk and Facebook chat, as well as significantly improved group chat functionality.
Interfaces across all platforms have been rehashed with a simpler and more polished design, and the mobile apps have been updated with settings to customize when you receive push notifications from the app, as well as to silence all notifications during certain hours of the day.
AOL has yet to announce an iPad version of the app, although they’re expected to release one at some point, likely in the near future. The new AIM app is available through the App Store for iPhone and iPod touch, and comes in both free (link) and paid ($2.99, link) versions, and the Mac and PC versions can be downloaded here. There’s also a web-based client, which can be accessed at preview.aim.com.
Features:
- Chat with a friend or group of friends with the new “Start a Chat” button
- Customize your groups with features like add/kick members, edit group icon and mute
- Favorite your friends and group chats for instant access
- Share photos and your location without leaving the conversation
- Copy and paste messages
- Tap on location previews in your conversation to get directions
- Tap on icons to quickly view user details or group chat settings
- See your social notifications for activity on your AIM, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts
- Turn on “Do Not Disturb” to turn off sounds and push notifications
- Set quiet hours to mute sounds and push notifications for when you don’t want to be disturbed
- Change your incoming message sound in sound settings
- Connect to Facebook Chat and Google Talk in your chat networks settings
