When AOL first built AIM back in 1997, the messenger was well received as a major contender in the popular new genre of instant messaging clients. By 2006, AIM had more users than any of the other major competitors. With the more recent growth in popularity of “one client connects all” IM software, the ubiquitous nature of Microsoft’s chat client, popularity of applications like Skype to video conference in lieu of typing, and even the use of web-based alternatives (such as Meebo), AIM usage rapidly dwindled. In fact, the OPSWAT market-share report for June, 2011 shows an installed base of under 1% for the AIM client.
Currently, AOL has turned over the AIM platform to Jason Shellen and his team (who contributed to such projects as Google Reader and Blogger after AOL bought their original company, Thing Labs). Shellen’s group is constructing a complete revamp of the software with beta versions available for download for Windows, Mac, Android, Apple iOS and even a browser-based version.
Major improvements headed our way include file sharing by simply dragging and dropping a file into the chat window, conversations stored on a central server (ensuring nothing is missed when using the same AIM login from multiple devices or when IM’d while logged out) and an ability to follow or unfollow buddies’ AIM status lines, in Twitter-like fashion. Images, videos, tweets, and miscellaneous links are now rendered in-line with chat content when pasted into a conversation, and integration is promised with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Gmail by way of a new “social notifications” feed.
All of this sounds good, but the big question remains; will anyone besides long-time AIM users consider using it or is this a case of “too little, too late”?
AOL killed AIM’s chances for good when they offered the option to see your buddies in Google Talk.