AOL Time Warner has embarked on a huge advertising campaign to
announce version 7.0 of its AOL Internet.
The new software features new AOL-branded services for buying
cinema and concert tickets as well as new tools for listening to
digital music.
Millions of AOL 7.0 CDs will be distributed through direct
marketing efforts, including inserts in US Time Warner magazines
such as People, Sports Illustrated and Entertainment Weekly. CDs
will also be distributed in more than 30,000 retail outlets through
the company's distribution arm.
The AOL 7.0 client includes a built-in Internet radio service,
dubbed Radio@AOL. The US version will also feature AOL Box Office,
a service for buying tickets for films and other events.
The company has also added features in AOL's instant messaging
service. Users can now send instant messages to a group of
"buddies."
The release of the AOL 7.0 software comes on the heels of a similar
announcement from Microsoft. The software giant released Version
7.0 of its MSN software on 15 October. The new versions of
Microsoft's Web portal and MSN Internet service software, due for
release on 25 October, include several features that compete with
AOL's service.
Both software packages come with updated media players for playing
and managing digital music and video in addition to expensive
marketing efforts -- Microsoft said the new MSN advertising
campaign in the US would cost $50m (£35m). Both also include new
features intended to push customers towards broadband.
The MSN Internet service is now available to broadband users in the
US. AOL said its new software would offer enhanced services detect
for broadband subscribers.
Third-party providers, including Earthlink and Juno Online
Services, are working with AOL Time Warner to offer broadband
through their wires.
AOL 7.0 is available for download in the US from 16 October.
Software for users in the UK, Argentina, Australia, Canada, France,
Japan and Mexico will be available in late 2001.