America Online Introduces New Features for AOL For Mac OS X

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April 17, 2003-- America Online today announced the availability of a new version of AOL for Mac OS X software that gives members more control over their online experience, greater protection for their privacy and security, and enhanced communication features for e-mail and instant messaging.

Consumers who use AOL for Mac OS X can also enjoy a convenient broadband experience, with the ability to simply add the AOL for Broadband service to any high-speed DSL or cable Internet connection using a "bring your own access" (BYOA) plan if they have existing broadband access already through their local phone, cable TV or Internet provider.

AOL for Broadband BYOA subscriptions allow unlimited use of the service using any high-speed connection, including multiple simultaneous log-ins of up to seven Screen Names on the same AOL account. For no extra charge, this feature allows busy families, who often compete for time online, to share all of the benefits of the service with the entire family. And, as a high-speed connection is always on, AOL for Broadband is always available: AOL for Broadband makes the convenience of always-on broadband connectivity more valuable by providing users with "anywhere, anytime" availability to the service. Even while away from their home computer, members always have access to their personalized AOL features, news and information through AOL for Broadband's nationwide dial-up network; the new AOL Voicemail service which brings together e-mail and home voicemail; from the Web via any computer at www.AOL.com; as well as from wireless phones and PDAs.

"AOL for Mac OS X is the best way to experience the Internet on a Mac," said David Gang, Executive Vice President for AOL Products, Product Marketing and Technology Development, for America Online. "With our latest version of AOL for Mac OS X, we've updated the AOL experience to give consumers what they've told us they want most: help to effortlessly get what they want online, enhanced communications features for e-mail and instant messaging, and a safer Internet experience with greater control and protection for their family and personal information."

The new AOL for Mac OS X continues to take advantage of the design, functionality and navigation of the Mac OS X operating system. Enhancements include:

-- New Internet Access Controls provide extended Parental Controls protections for AOL members on a broadband connection. This added coverage prevents children from using external browsers to surf the Internet and access inappropriate Web sites. While on AOL for Broadband children can still visit Web sites based on their Parental Controls settings.

-- The new AOL Guardian feature allows parents to receive detailed e-mail "report cards" after each time a child uses AOL, so they're always informed about how their children are using the Internet and can take action. Plus, while at work or away from home, parents can go to AOL.com and set or adjust specific restrictions for Internet access, chat, e-mails and instant messaging.

-- Virus Protection powered by McAfee Security will automatically scan attachments to incoming and outgoing e-mails to detect viruses and attempt to fix any attachments found to have known viruses, before they infect a member's computer.

-- The "Report Spam" button on the AOL Mailbox now allows members to report multiple pieces of unwanted mail to AOL at the same time. Since introducing the Report Spam button last fall, members have sent up to 6.5 million pieces of junk e-mail per day to AOL's anti-spam engineers. By working together with members, AOL is helping to prevent more and more unwanted e-mails from reaching members' e-mail inboxes and stopping an average of more than 30 junk e-mails from reaching each account on a daily basis.

-- New instant messaging features allow members to automatically forward incoming instant messages to their text-enabled wireless phone when they aren't online, allowing them to never miss an instant message.

-- Enhanced e-mail features, including the ability to set automated "away messages" when members will not be able to check e-mail for a period of time; and automatic delivery and notification of new mail in a member's open mailbox. Members can manage their AOL Mail with the ability to set, sort and display e-mails by date, subject, sender or type. And to help members deal with unwanted e-mails, AOL will categorize incoming messages by people they know, recognized bulk senders and unknown senders.

-- Enhanced AOL Search makes it easy for AOL members to search from one place for news headlines, local resources through AOL Yellow Pages, images, movies, stock quotes, maps and directions, and more with local, timely and relevant search results presented front and center.

-- AOL's popular "self-expression" features have been further expanded with hundreds of new Buddy Icons, new Buddy Sounds, graphical "smileys," and colorful backgrounds to let members tailor the appearance of their e-mail and instant messages. As AOL's library of self-expression features continues to grow, AOL for Mac OS X makes it even easier for members to customize and update their communications to reflect their personalities and interests, or to commemorate a special occasion, holiday or event.

-- AOL News on demand from trusted news sources including CNN, ABC News, NPR (National Public Radio), The New York Times, Time and Fortune. News stories are updated throughout the day and cover key categories such as the Nation, Business, World, Sports, Health, Family and Entertainment.

-- Coming soon -- advanced e-mail and instant messaging with AOL Communicator. In response to demand from members who want more flexibility and customization, AOL will soon introduce a "preview" release of AOL Communicator for Mac OS X, an advanced e-mail application that brings together AOL Mail, integrated AOL Instant Messenger, and the AOL Address Book. From a standalone application, members will be able to preview, organize into folders and manage messages from multiple AOL, POP or IMAP e-mail accounts at the same time. The initial release will be available this summer.

Availability
This new version of AOL for Mac OS X is available now as a free upgrade for existing members in the United States at AOL Keyword: Upgrade.

For additional information about AOL for Broadband, members can visit AOL Keyword: Broadband, call 1-800-574-1779 or visit www.aolbroadband.com.

SOURCE Businesswire