AOL 7.0 Beta Progresses, Testers Added

Set for an August release, AOL 7.0 code-named "Taz," is in need of some additional beta testers. For a limited time, AOL members who dial-up to the service are wanted to test the upcoming client's connectivity. Users with slightly higher-end PCs will notice an increase in performance, as the optimization point is raised in this release. Thus far, AOL 7.0 has not brought much in the way of changes, and is merely an evolutionary step in the development of the client.

The user interface has not changed drastically and remains nearly identical to the current AOL 6.0. Information obtained by BetaNews reveals AOL's hesitation to raise the hardware requirements of Taz beyond those set by version 6.

The reasoning behind this decision is that 20-40% of AOL members would not be able to upgrade, leaving a significant portion of the company's user base running legacy clients with fewer features and higher maintenance costs. Additionally, the company does not want to risk losing new registrations. Many customers have been frustrated by what they perceive as a "bait and switch" tactic by AOL; for example, receiving a CD advertising AOL 7, but then ending up with version 6 installed due to hefty system requirements.

Taz is slated to feature many small improvements over AOL 6.0, including a completely re-written AOL adapter by Connectivity. The AOL buddy list will now offer an idle indicator, as well as mini-icons next to each name. Users will also be able to "grow" an instant message window into a full chat by inviting users to join an existing conversation.

AOL Music will also get a boost in Taz. A new release of the AOL Media Player (AMP) code-named "Llama" will make an appearance, currently at version 1.7. AOL has been contemplating making use of its Nullsoft purchase, creating a version of AMP based on Winamp 3. The company recently held meetings to discuss the approach it will take with regards to Microsoft's upcoming Windows Media Player 8.0.

At this point, the much hyped "Komodo" browser module has failed to surface. Komodo is intended to replace the Internet Explorer browser engine with alternatives such as Netscape. Internal documents reported numerous problems with the technology during its Alpha stage, but AOL had hoped to resolve any issues by the time Taz hit beta.

The Taz beta continues to progress and has reached build 4114.19g.

Modem users can visit keyword beta to apply.