Every once in a great a while an update for an average program becomes something more than an update – it is a catalyst to change that program into something more than it was, something almost unrecognizable.
America Online’s Instant Messenger is raising the bar with its new update, AIM Triton. This program generally makes life easier with more tools, features and options.
One discovers an unheard of level of ease when communicating through voice, video and file transfer. It is apparent that AIM Triton’s creators have done their research on third party messaging services and on what their audience seeks.
Let’s begin with the actual message windows. Each time you click a name on your buddy list the window that comes up lists their personal chatting abilities, as well as their online time and an option to view their AIM profile. Once you engage in personal chat, the window displays options for other forms of chat – including audio and video chat – across the top.
When you engage in multiple chats, at once tabs are shown along the left side of the window. This makes it much easier to chat with multiple people in the same window. Inviting particular buddies to a chat room is a cinch. Just click ‘Invite,’ in the top right corner of the window and all of your friends can meet you there.
The buddy list has changed firstly with the ability to search for a particular buddy for those with very long lists and an option to input a particular buddy’s address and phone number. This other information is also presented when a personal chat is initiated.
However, the real stand out in the buddy list – and the program – is the radio, built in with channels and select XM radio stations. Chatting has never been more enjoyable than with XM’s alternative station Ethel or completely random Shuffle channel coming out of your computer speakers.
There are still some downsides to all this greatness though. AOL’s browser and My AOL windows still popup every time you run the program, besides just being annoying, these things can seriously slow down the opening of the program. This also applies to the ‘toys’ that, while fun, can lag your messaging experience. Sadly, there is no easy way to turn these windows and features off.
Overall this program is definitely worth the money. The best part, though, is that it’s free.