Sony Swaps IE for AOL Explorer on VAIO
Scoring a big win for its alternative browser, AOL has inked a deal with Sony to distribute AOL Explorer as the default Web browser on all new VAIO desktop and notebook computers. The browser directs users to a Sony-branded AOL.com homepage, which includes links to technical support and accessories.
AOL Explorer is based on Internet Explorer, but adds advanced features such as tabbed browsing, Web thumbnails and a built-in RSS feed aggregator. A customizable side panel enables users to load third-party add-ons into the browser, such as a calendar or panel that displays incoming mail.
IE's security has also been improved in AOL Explorer with pop-up blocking and privacy features to clear a user's footprints on exit. In beta testing since late 2004, the browser officially launched last July and began shipping with the latest version of AIM known as Triton.
The deal with Sony will put AOL Explorer front and center, and joins a growing list of agreements by OEMs to migrate away from Microsoft's Internet Explorer. HP has opted to offer Netscape to its users, and Dell UK has reportedly settled on Firefox.
Sony will additionally offer the Firefox-based Netscape 8 as a browser choice, and users can always switch back to IE if they so desire. The newest AOL Instant Messenger client, AOL Search and other AOL products will ship on the new VAIOs as well starting this spring.
"Our relationship with Sony reinforces AOL's ongoing strategy to make our products more freely available and to provide consumers with great online experiences and features in the most convenient ways possible," an AOL spokesperson told BetaNews. "Working with partners to distribute and syndicate AOL products and services enables us to extend the reach of our audience."
AOL has recently endeavored to shed its image as a dial-up ISP and establish itself as a leading Web destination. The company has continued to roll out new features such as RSS aggregation and video downloads on AOL.com since the portal's refresh, and purchased popular blog network Weblogs, Inc. in October.