The AOL Mac Team is pleased to announce the newest update to our beta program for AIM for Mac 1.0. You can get AIM for Mac 1.0 Beta 6 from AOL Beta Central. After you download and install AIM for Mac, please make sure you head back to AOL Beta Central to leave your feedback and bug reports. This is our only way to get a very wide sampling of issues our users are experiencing so we can get them fixed before we release the software.

Here's what's fixed in Beta 6:

• Fixed various contextual issues when user has multiple IM sessions grouped in one conversation window
• Fixed auto-complete of IM Blasts on compose IM form
• Fixed switching screen name issue when password is saved in Mac OS X Keychain
• Fixed various accessibility issues with VoiceOver when announcing interface elements
• Fixed issue when updating AIM blocked user list
• Fixed Buddy Chat window hang if Buddy rejects the chat invitation by closing Chat window
• If the Buddy Info window is open, changing to other screen names on the Buddy List will update the Buddy Info window accordingly
• Fixed issue when some phone numbers were not properly formatted for IM to SMS messaging
• Fixed issue where AIM away message title was not editable

Did you know that the same AIM for Mac 1.0 is built into AOL Desktop for Mac 1.5 beta?

We're making sure that all the new features and fixes are found in both apps. If you like AIM for Mac, drop by the AOL Desktop for Mac 1.5 beta program to see what's going on with our new AOL all-in-one software.

Thanks...
Lee Givens
AOL Mac Product Lead

I dropped a small hint in my previous post :) The AOL Mac Team has been busy working on new beta updates for our AOL Mac apps. You can now get your hands on AOL Desktop for Mac 1.5 beta 7 at AOL Beta Central. As with previous builds, you'll find the updated AIM (same as the standalone version) and these fixes:

• AOL Parental Controls Assistant has fixed some minor UI issues and has been added to AOL Desktop for Mac Help
• Improved VoiceOver accessibility with respect to navigation, button labels and user experience
• Added the ability to report IM abuse to AOL - if a user gets an IM, they will have the ability to send a report to AOL and block sender
• Fixed issue when users with multiple monitors losing the display of their Buddy List
• Fixed "Set as Default" when editing or managing away messages in Preferences
• Fixed attachment size display issue
• Fixed attachments that are in mail drafts folder under specific conditions
• Fixed mail editing issue when trying to split a line of text for outgoing mail message
• Clicking on Report IM Spam for a Block screen name unblocks the screen name
• General stability and performance optimizations

Please keep the feedback coming and report any bugs you may have encountered.

Thanks!
Lee Givens
AOL Mac/iPhone Product Lead

Wow, can't believe it's December already. Well, right before Thanksgiving, the AOL Mac Team has revved two of our most popular applications - AIM for Mac 1.0 Beta 5 and AOL Desktop for Mac 1.5 Beta 7.

Fixed issues for AIM for Mac Beta 5:

• Improved VoiceOver accessibility with respect to navigation, button labels and user experience
• Added the ability to report IM abuse to AOL – if a user gets an IM, they will have the ability to send a report to AOL and block sender
• Updated AIM Start Page to point to AIM Dashboard
• Fixed issue when users with multiple monitors losing the display of their Buddy List
• CMD + F will now open the Buddy List Search box
• General stability and performance optimizations

AIM for Mac is built into AOL Desktop for Mac so you can get the same great features and ease-of-use. Drop by AOL Beta Central to download the new beta!

Thanks!
Lee Givens
AOL Mac Product Lead

The AOL Mac Team has released the fourth beta for AIM for Mac 1.0. We've fixed a bunch of bugs and working toward our general release in the near future. If you have any comments or suggestions, please use the comment system below.

For those behind corporate firewalls, we added a new connections tab to the Preferences. We've also worked to streamline the authentication process so it's faster and more reliable.






Here's a list of items fixed for Beta 4:

• Added Connection Tab to AIM for Mac Preferences to allow users to specify AIM Server and port when behind firewalls
• Fixed Quick Away toggle icon when Quick Away message is set
• Updated Installer to enforce minimum system requirements for Mac OS X (10.5.2 or higher)
• Fixed issue with My Buddy Info window when user is offline
• Updated default AIM Server and port to kdc.uas.aol.com on port 443
• Fixed issue with font selection for IM conversations (when setting new default font)
• Updated default emoticon set to a smoother and more modern emoticons

Please download and check it out. Make sure you don't have any previous versions of the installer mounted! Click the Eject icon to the right of the mounted DMG name.

Lee Givens
AOL Mac Product Lead

AIM for Mac 1.0 beta 3 is now available. We've added some new features, updated the user interface at the top of the Buddy List and fixed many bugs. We even shortened the AIM installer, less clicks, quicker install :)

New Features: We added a Quick Status/Away button, right next to the Invisible Button. If you're in a hurry, just click the "sticky note" and you'll set your away message. Invisible mode will allow you to "drop off the grid" but keep receiving updates from your Buddies. This comes in handy when you're busy and need to focus (or playing Call of Duty 4 :)

You can now add a "Friendly Name" or nickname to your Buddy. No need to remember who "Buddy350" is anymore!

Here's what we fixed (or added) in this beta release:

• Redesigned Buddy List header area and added Quick Status and Away toggle
• Will not set the default aim: URL handler automatically
• Fixed issue when user clicks an aim: URL outside of AIM for Mac or AOL Desktop for Mac
• Find Buddy search box is now toggled using the magnifying glass icon
• Will now auto-format phone numbers so users can send IMs to SMS text message capable phones
• Fixed issue for Tiger users to correctly display status messages on the Buddy List
• Preference window will now remember size/screen position
• Fixed auto-accept file transfer preferences when user closes and reopens application
• Fixed hyperlink issue when user receives a URL from a Buddy
• When initiating an IM session by clicking the Send Instant Message button on bottom toolbar, users will now see the status of the Buddy
• Fixed issue when clicking a hyperlink with an '@' symbol
• Added support to edit Friendly Names on the Buddy List
• AIM for Mac will now support file transfers from unknown senders
• Fixed a crash bug when editing a Buddy in a 'Smart Group' (AIM host predefined group)
• Fixed issue when user receives an IM from a Buddy that has a white font with a black background
• Fixed a crash bug for Leopard users when changing view options on Offline Buddies while Buddy List is minimized
• Fixed issue when user logs in with screen name that contains an underscore '_'
• Fixed issue when transparent font background is missing from IM default font settings
• Disabled changing group of an offline Buddy

Drop by AOL Beta Central to download your copy of AIM for Mac 'Sneak Peek'

Thanks!
Lee Givens
AOL Mac Product Lead

We released a quick update to AOL Desktop for Mac 1.5 to fix a major mail issue for some users. When running AOL Desktop for Mac 1.5 beta 4, some users are experiencing a blank message window when replying or forwarding an e-mail. Drop by AOL Beta Central for the new beta.

Also, some users have reported that they are having issues when installing AOL Desktop for Mac. Here's how to make your installation experience flawless.

1. Check your Apple Desktop or Mac OS X Downloads folder for you Leopard users.
2. Drag any older AOL Desktop for Mac installers to the Mac OS X trash can.

That should take care of it!

Thanks!
Lee Givens
AOL Mac Product Lead

Now that you had time to review the cool new MacBook's :), the AOL Mac Team is pleased to announce that Beta 2 of AIM for Mac is now out. Take a look at the new features and fixed issues:

• Webmail button will now display unread mail count

• Users can now send and receive files when away or to buddies that are away
• Buddy Wallpaper should appear in IM window if the Offline Buddy signs in.
• Overall improvements to user interface of Buddy List
• Able to invoke Multiple "Chat Invitation" window
• File Transfer status always shows connecting if the option "Auto-accept file transfer from buddies on my buddy list" is checked.
• AIM for Mac will not set the AIM handler upon application launch
• Added support to viewing Friendly Names in AIM
• Added a new contextual menu item "Clear History" to the IM Conversation History area
• Added the Edit Buddy feature to change the nickname, email address, and group for a buddy
• Fixed issue when managing screen name
• Fixed crash when searching the Buddy List
• Fixed other various issues including some accessibility issues
• Fixed a bug where the "ACCEPT" button appears on the IM conversation screen when another application gains focus

Please continue to send feedback and bug reports and we'll keep improving AIM for Mac. Thanks to all our beta testers who submitted feedback and bug reports.

Enjoy!
Lee Givens
AOL Mac Product Lead

We're very happy with the reception we're getting with AIM for Mac beta. We appreciate the support. Now, it's AOL Desktop's turn. You can now get your hands on the next Beta for AOL Desktop for Mac 1.5. We're focusing on improving the mail experience by optimizing the downloading of the various components of mail. We're hoping to relieve the message content loading delays some users are finding on PowerPC Macs.

Here's a list of the fixed issues for Beta 4:

• Improved mail performance by optimizing the downloading of message header, body and attachments
• Users can now save mail as plain text files
• When sending mail with large attachments, users can now cancel the outgoing mail
• Fixed issue when users changed their mail view from Inbox back to New/Old/Sent
• AIM now supports friendly names in the Buddy List
• Fixed issue in Buddy Chat where Screen Names in the group should be listed when sending a Buddy Chat invite to a group
• Fixed AIM preference when "Play event sounds" are turned off
• Added AOL Yellow Pages toolbar icon

As usual, please leave feedback on the AOL Beta Central Feedback, Bug Reports or Message Boards.

thanks!
Lee Givens
AOL Mac Product Lead

Focus on Features - AIM for Mac Beta

By default your buddies in the Buddy List are displayed in groups, with the last one being the Offline group. You will initially see all of your buddies in the Offline group, and when a buddy comes online, they will immediately be moved to their pre-assigned online group.


You can hide the Offline group by clicking on the View menu and selecting Offline Buddies > Do Not Show. Then, your Offline group will disappear.


You can also show your offline buddies within each of the groups by clicking on the View menu and selecting Offline Buddies > Show in Groups. You will still not have an Offline group and all of your offline buddies will be displayed.

Experiment with these offline settings to find the display the suits you the best. To find more configuration options for the Buddy List, look in the application preferences.

Thanks for trying AIM for Mac!

Larry Aasen
AOL Mac Team

Good news! AIM for Mac beta 1 has been released.

AIM for Mac continues our commitment to the growing Mac market by delivering a new AIM experience that's built from the ground up for the Mac platform. AIM for Mac is one of the most requested applications from our users, and the "buzz" has been increasing with the successful launch of AIM for iPhone™.

AIM for Mac is available on AOL Beta Central.

Here are a few of the advantages AIM for Mac offers:

• AIM Experience: Users can customize their AIM for Mac experience with AIM Expressions - Change your AIM sounds, wallpaper, emoticon set or Buddy Icon.
• Favorite AIM Features: AIM File Transfer, Tabbed IM conversations, friendly names, AIM Groups, AIM Blast groups are supported.
• Easy Access to Mail: With a single click, you can view your mail in AOL or AIM webmail.
• Speed: Download, install and launch AIM for Mac in seconds.

Thank you for trying AIM for Mac; we appreciate your participation. Please be sure to send us your bug reports and feedback. You can also drop in the AIM for Mac message boards to see what other users are saying.

The AOL Mac Team is delighted to present AOL Desktop for Mac 1.5 beta 3. You can download the new beta at AOL Beta Central. As for all of our betas, please make sure you do not use it for any mission critical purposes. It's just a test version on our way to a final candidate version.

Highlights of the latest beta build include:

• Default font, font size and style preferences have been added for AIM and Mail

• Outbox resend issues have been fixed
• Improved performance of mailbox to reduce the "Message Content Loading" wait times
• When replying to an e-mail, signature will be placed in the correct insertion point, based on user Preference
• Spell check can now be added to the Compose Mail toolbar
• Spell check dialog box can now be activated by pressing CMD-;
• Transferring the same file twice displays a link to the location (such as Desktop) instead of the file name
• File Transfer notifications interrupt typing in different tab instead of appearing in background
• AIM now behaves as expected when you launch a VPN connection when already signed in with AIM
• Offline users on Buddy List will now appear with italics font style
• Improved knock-knock dialog box for IMs and file transfers from unknown senders
• Fixed AIM drag-and-drop file transfer issue
• Improved performance and user interface for built-in AIM

• Improved accessibility support for AIM file transfer
• Users can now reattach torn-off browser windows by dragging the tab back to the target browser window
• Added Delete to allow users to delete a Buddy on the AIM Buddy List using the contextual menu command
• Improved accessibility to allow delete spam from mail toolbar
• Improved performance for Tiger OS users when user is online and Airport is turned on/off
• Support for Mac OS X Fast User Switching now supported

Please leave comments here on the Mac@AOL Blog or submit a bug report or feedback on AOL Beta Central.

thanks!
Lee Givens
AOL Mac Product Lead

We understand that some of our users have been vocal (well, that's an understatement for some of our loyal users :) so AOL is continuing our commitment to the Mac platform by releasing the second beta for AOL Desktop for Mac 1.5, the next version of the all-in-one Internet application.

We have exciting news to announce: AOL Radio 2.0, powered by CBS Radio, will be coming to Mac OS X Leopard. (Mac OS X 10.4.x users can listen to AOL Radio on the Web at http://radio.aol.com ).

AOL Radio 1.2.1 and previous versions will be discontinued on July 30, 2008 and replaced by AOL Radio 2.0 beta. AOL Radio 2.0 beta, powered by CBS Radio, features more than 200 stations spanning at least 25 genres of music -- plus another 150+ CBS Radio stations from across the U.S.

In the meantime, you can take a peek at AOL Radio for iPhone and stop by the Mac@AOL Blog next week for more information on downloading the beta!

Thanks...
Lee Givens
AOL Mac Product Lead

The AOL Mac Team is not taking a break this summer. We released AIM for iPhone and AOL Radio for iPhone and now we'll be following up with AOL Desktop for Mac 1.5 beta. This new beta program will focus on the next major update of the AOL all-in-one Internet software.

Our goals for this release are:

• AIM File Transfer now enabled. Users can send files directly to other AIM users.
• Users can now tear off browser tabs (and merge browser windows back to tabs).
• Users can now log in with their .Mac user IDs and passwords.
• All AOL Screen Names associated with an account will now appear in the Sign-In window drop-down list.
• Mail header switching issues have been resolved.

We're looking to make window management better and pull all screen names associated with an account after you first log in. For all you AIM fans, you can now use AIM File Transfer to send files to your Buddies without firing up FTP or attaching to e-mail.

All of these features have been requested by our users and we're making sure we continually make AOL Desktop for Mac the best Internet app on the Mac. Please continue to use the Beta Feedback or leave a comment on the Mac@AOL Blog.

thanks!
Lee Givens
AOL Mac Product Lead

We're Listening to Our Users!
The whole Mac team reviews comments from the Feedback button and posts on the AOL Mac Message Boards. We have addressed the top issues reported by our customers and we released AOL Desktop for Mac Beta 18 on the AOL Beta Central site.

If you're using the GM 1.0 version and haven't participated in a Beta program in the past, please wait until we release AOL Desktop for Mac 1.1 in the very near future!

Fixed Issues for Beta 17/18

• Fixed mail performance issues. Now, mailboxes with hundreds of messages (or even thousands) are synched on first run without slowing the system
• Fixed mail display issues with incorrect content
• Fixed Address Book issues that may have not properly switched to the correct screen name when syncing
• Fixed Address Book sync failures which resulted in no contacts
• Address Book sort by last name has been added to this release
• Fixed sorting in Address Book when clicking the column headers
• Fixed sporadic Leopard crash when clicking mailto: links
• Fixed Mac OS X 10.5.3 issues with Buddy List search
• Fixed Mac OS X 10.5.3 issues that may have caused a crash in AIM
• Fixed performance for auto-complete for AIM when user has a large Address Book

Note to Beta Users: If you are running the AOL Desktop for Mac released version, we are now separating the Application Support folders for Beta and GM releases. If you have imported or saved mail using a pre-Beta 16, you will need to move the mail folder (in the ~/Library/Application Support/AOL Desktop/Users) to the new AOL Desktop Beta folder. The GM (released version) saves all application support files in the AOL Desktop folder, Beta 17 and 18 save all data in AOL Desktop Beta folder.