Dulles-based AOL has launched a new feature that allows Windows Vista users to access AOL mail and other features directly from a computer’s desktop.
Along with faster access to e-mail, AOL’s “Social Mail Gadget” allows users quick access to instant messenger, photos and videos.
“The AOL Social Mail Gadget gives users a new way to keep in touch with everyone on their A-Lists — at home and at work,” AOL Senior Vice President Richard Landsman said. “This new social interface for mail offers full [instant messenger], pictures and video integration, and gives users the ability to find out what is happening with their friends and family in a single click.”
The new application uses Microsoft Silverlight, a new graphics program designed to compete with Adobe’s Flash technologies. Silverlight has drawn criticism for not conforming to international standards, making it incompatible with many products outside of the Microsoft family.
Vista has also taken its share of hits since its introduction earlier this year, despite reports from Microsoft that more than 40 million copies of the software had been sold.
Some users have complained that the software requires hardware upgrades and is more difficult to use than Windows XP.
The appearance of the new AOL gadget can be customized to fit individual preferences. In the future, AOL said it planned to add new features that would allow to add and subtract additional features.
The tool can be downloaded at www.dev.aol.com/mail.
