- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/Vista/NT
- Date added: May 27, 2009
- Total Downloads: 38,418,673
- Downloads last week: 3,379
- See full specifications
A newer version of AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 406 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt on May 27, 2009
AOL continues its push to stay relevant with the latest upgrade to its chat program. In version 6.0, we saw the incorporation of tools that were mostly old hat to other chatware. This time around we get Twitter support, two built-in plug-ins, expanded mobile messaging, an easier way to switch skins, and a new Status message feature.
The two plug-ins are the biggest upgrades, with mixed results. Neither the QQ Games nor the AIM Tunes plug-ins worked in Vista, although they were fine on an XP machine. They both allow full control from the Buddy window, which is especially useful for AIM Tunes and the integrated streaming XM Radio. The TXT Message mode was far more stable, functioning well regardless of OS. As of this writing, though, the AIM Short Code for accessing your Buddy list and other AIM chat features via SMS has not yet been rolled out.
The other features--Plaxo address book, telephony and a free local "dummy" number with free voice mail--are nice touches, but nothing that blasts AIM ahead of the pack. The buddy window has been largely unchanged, managing links to other services, extra features, and of course, ads. Whether these services can entice new users as well as those who have drifted to multi-chatware supporting apps remains to be seen.
Publisher's description
From AOL :AIM 6 is the next generation of instant messaging software. We listened to your requests and added lots of new features. Plus, we streamlined the software to make sure it's fast enough to keep up with you.
Version 6.9 provides status updates from Twitter and introduces better Buddy lookup tools.
What's new in this version:
Version 6.9 provides status updates from Twitter and introduces better Buddy lookup tools.
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User reviews of AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) 6.9.15.1
- Average user rating: 2.4 stars out of 406 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 4 of 4 user reviewsSee all 4 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Version: AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) 6.9.15.1
"Force Install Software. Ad Overload"
Pros: Real Time IM. See what your buddy is typing.
Cons: -Force installs Viewpoint Media Player. Viewpoint is known to create a unique ID and eventually can track computer data and usage. See more below.
-Overloaded with ads.
-Default install adds search engine, makes default, and adds toolbarSummary: I have tried AIM 6.5 in the past and decided to try this version. I was not impressed as nothing much changed.
It still installs Viewpoint Media Player without proper user consent. It only mentioned Viewpoint in the EULA once in one line... read more >> -
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) 6.9.15.1
"This doesnt work on my computer..."
Pros: There are no Pros, it sucks!
Cons: It freezes and then slows down my computer. Before I downloaded AIM 6.9, AIM worked fine..now it doesnt at ALL.
Summary: Its stupid and I dont understand why they tried to update it. They should have just left it..
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) 6.9.15.1
Pros: If I could get it to work, maybe I would have something to say about it, it would never open up.
Cons: Not very good as it does not open up in Vista.
Summary: One of those "fixes" that should have never been fixed.
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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Version: AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) 6.9.15.1
Pros: the gold color scheme
Cons: everything. i hate the way the rearranged the chat windows, its horrible. and the old running aim icon, gross, ew. dont get it
Summary: dont get!
- See all 4 user reviews Write review
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