AOL Beta Central

Welcome to the beta test of AOL® Desktop, previously known as AOL Helix. It integrates email, Web browsing, instant messaging, and other online activities into a single, easy-to-use application, letting you multitask in fewer clicks and with fewer hassles. With a sleek, modern interface and convenient new features, it is designed to help make everything you do online faster and easier.

Highlights include:

• Improved Navigation: A new "AppMap" feature located between the Web button and Search field on the toolbar, instantly displays clickable thumbnails of all your open windows. Now you can find what you're looking for instantly - and switch windows with just one click.
• Tabbed Organization: Tabs on email, browser and IM windows allow you to surf, send mail and more, without cluttering your screen.
• More Email Options: New, streamlined AOL® Mail lets you send and receive messages using multiple email accounts, including GMail®, Verizon® and many more, in the same window.
• Enhanced IM: AIM® 6.1 is built right in so you can see which buddies are online, chat, share pictures and more.
• Easy to Use: New functionality allows for fast, easy transfer of your Favorites and Personal Filing Cabinet from AOL 9.0 to AOL Desktop.
• MapQuest® Integration: Enables you to conveniently embed a map and link to full directions right in your email.
• AIM Invisibility: Avoid interruptions online - just set your preference in AIM to "invisible" and you'll appear offline to others from the moment you sign in.
• QuickTips have been added to provide contextual hints about new features in AOL Desktop.

Standard Internet behaviors include:

• Web browsing without sign in.
• Local favorites with feeds support.
• Inbox view of received mail.
• Multiple email accounts can be accessed from one mailbox.

New for Beta 5:

• Enhanced sign-on experience: Because of your feedback, clicking outside of the sign-on window will now dismiss it automatically, making it easier to browse before you sign in.
• Customized KOL/RED Welcome Screen: The Welcome Screen is now customized for KOL and RED screen names. Kids will see age-appropriate content at sign-in.
• Improved Dial-up performance: Bug fixes have been implemented to enhance the dial-up experience.

Release History

October 4, 2007 - Build 2.0.51.1 / 2.4.3.1

Helix has a new name! After much consideration, the final name for the newest integrated software from AOL will be AOL® Desktop. Thank you for your great ideas and suggestions. The new name and branding have been implemented in the latest beta build. In addition to the new name, you'll find that the toolbar has a fresh new look in this build. We think you'll agree that the final design looks great! As always, be sure to read the Testing Instructions and Known Issues before starting your download of this latest beta build.

September 28, 2007 - Sweepstakes

We are pleased to announce the start of a sweepstakes for the AOL software, codenamed Helix. Simply sign onto Helix and answer 3 questions about the software to be entered in a random drawing for some great prizes. Every email address can enter once per day. The Grand Prize is an 80 GB iPod® and Bose® Sound System package and 10 First Prize winners will each receive a $50 American Express® Gift Cheque. Please review the Sweepstakes Rules for complete details.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Toolbar Focus Test.

September 21, 2007 - Build 2.0.42.1 / 2.3.2.1

The latest build of the AOL software, codenamed Helix, is now available for testing. This build contains new visual designs, more bug fixes, as well as stablility and performance fixes. As always, be sure to read the Testing Instructions and Known Issues before starting your download of this latest beta build.

September 7, 2007 - Build 2.0.40.1 / 2.2.6.1

The latest build of the AOL software, codenamed Helix, is now available for testing. This build contains several new features and many bug fixes. As always, be sure to read the Testing Instructions and Known Issues before starting your download of this latest beta build.