AOL Explorer
{{Short description|Web browser}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{multiple issues|
{{Update|inaccurate=yes|date=December 2012}}
{{More citations needed|date=September 2009}}
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{{Infobox software
| name = AOL Explorer
| logo =
| screenshot =
| caption = AOL Explorer 1.5 as of May 2006
| developer = AOL LLC
| released = {{Start date|2005|07}}
| discontinued = yes
| latest release version = {{wikidata|property|preferred|references|edit|Q2819312|P348|P548=Q2804309}}
| latest release date = {{wikidata|qualifier|preferred|single|Q2819312|P348|P548=Q2804309|P577}}
| latest preview version = {{wikidata|property|preferred|references|edit|Q2819312|P348|P548=Q51930650}}
| latest preview date = {{wikidata|qualifier|preferred|single|Q2819312|P348|P548=Q51930650|P577}}
| operating_system = Microsoft Windows
| genre = Web browser
| license = Freeware
| replaced_by = AOL Desktop
}}
AOL Explorer, previously known as AOL Browser, was a graphical web browser developed by AOL. It was released in July 2005 as a free, standalone download, or as an optional software bundled while installing AOL Instant Messenger.{{Cite web|url=http://www.upsdell.com/BrowserNews/overview.htm|title=AOL - Review|access-date=2014-09-01|date=2014-08-26|first=Charles|last=Upsdell|publisher=Website Design}} AOL Explorer supported tabbed browsing and used Microsoft's Trident browser engine.{{Cite web|url=http://www.softpedia.com/get/Internet/Browsers/AOL-Explorer.shtml|title=More enhanced security and time-saving features than any other browser|access-date=2014-09-01|date=2006-05-11|first=Bogdan|last=Popa|publisher=Softpedia}} The browser was briefly succeeded by AOL OpenRide in 2006, followed by AOL Desktop in 2007.
History
In 2003, AOL was given rights to Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser in a seven-year contract.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-to-pay-aol-750-million/|title=Microsoft to pay AOL $750 million|access-date=2021-07-02|date=2003-06-02|first=Jim|last=Hu|publisher=CNET}} As such, AOL Explorer shared similarities with Microsoft's flagship browser, notably the ability to access Windows updates, and install Internet Explorer-compatible plugins. Security features such as a pop-up blocker and spyware detection were built into the browser.
Version 1.5 was launched in May 2006, adding Desktop Widgets, Visual Themes, a Feeds Screensaver and various performance improvements. Desktop Widgets allowed the user to "tear off" a side panel and use it independently from the browser.
RSS Feeds could be shown in a screensaver, and Show Page Preview allowed users to see previews of web page links without leaving the page.{{Cite web|url=https://www.techspot.com/amp/downloads/2046-aol-explorer.html|title=AOL Explorer 1.5 Build|access-date=2021-07-02|date=2006-05-11|publisher=TechSpot}}
Reception
AOL Explorer was praised by PC Magazine for its wealth of features and its visual design.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1842397,00.asp |title=AOL Explorer 1.1 - Review |access-date=2021-07-02 |date=2005-01-08 |first=Rick |last=Broida |magazine=PC Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051219090718/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1842397,00.asp |archive-date=19 December 2005 |url-status=dead}} Some criticisms were that the browser had "questionable anti-spyware tools", and that it did not support third-party toolbars.
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209004225/http://downloads.channel.aol.com/browser |archivedate=20070209004225 |title=Download AOL Explorer – AOL Downloads}}
{{AOL Inc.}}
{{Aggregators}}
{{Timeline of web browsers|2000s}}
{{Web browsers|desktop}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Aol Explorer}}
Category:Internet Explorer shells
Category:News aggregator software