We've been busy over the past several months developing a variety of desktop gadgets featuring AOL content. Gadgets are easy-to-use, customizable mini-applications that provide information at a glance.

One of the popular gadgets we've released for the Microsoft Vista desktop is the AOL Daily Scoop, which can be downloaded from the Windows Live Gadget Gallery.

The Daily Scoop Gadget provides fingertip access to the latest headlines on AOL.com - get the hottest news, sports, lifestyle and entertainment headlines delivered directly to your Vista desktop.

Find a headline, photo, or video that sparks your interest, and in just one click, get the full article or related videos on AOL.com. Docked or undocked this active little gadget delivers your headlines in a slide show format that rotates to keep you constantly updated.



The Daily Scoop Gadget also allows you to pick from 12 different colors to match your desktop. Just click on the "beach ball" at the top right corner of the gadget then choose from the color palette.


Check this or any of our other gadgets out on Discover AOL and let us know what you think.

Thanks,
Doran Butuche
Senior Product Manager
AOL Desktop Software

We are exited to announce that AOL 9.1 has been released for all users, both free and paid!

AOL 9.1 is the latest version of AOL's integrated, desktop software. Sharing the look and feel of 9.0 versions, AOL 9.1 provides enhancements to web browsing, email, instant messaging, and other areas of the service. You can download AOL 9.1 at Discover AOL.

AOL 9.1 offers some exciting new features around browsing. If you already have connectivity (like broadband) you can browse without signing on. That way you can quickly and easily get directly onto the web. We'll prompt you for sign-on when you ask or attempt to get access to personal information, like email or IM.

Email has been enhanced as well. In AOL 9.1, we offer an "Inbox" style email system. If you are already a user, you can continue with the "Old/New" view, or adopt the new Internet-based "Inbox" style (which contains all old and new email together). We've also extended your mailbox with unlimited storage. For current users, if you would like to switch to this new style, go to KW: Inbox.

We have also added RSS support providing a quick and easy way to manage your favorite RSS feeds on the myAOL website.

Over the next few weeks, we'll provide additional details and rationale behind the new features in AOL 9.1. Watch this area for new entries where we'll respond to your questions, comments, and suggestions.

Until then, have fun with the AOL 9.1!

Thanks,

Doran Butuche
Senior Product Manager
AOL Desktop Software

Lots of exciting things are happening with AOL's Desktop Software - and this is the place where you'll get the latest scoop on all items related to:

• AOL 9.0 & 9.1: We'll talk about how to get the most out of the current AOL 9.0 products as well as our newest release; AOL 9.1. Building on the classic 9.0 experience, AOL 9.1 provides several improvements including web browsing without having to first sign in, easier access to mail folders, and RSS support.

• AOL Desktop: Our freshest all-in-one software for Windows, combining email, Web browsing and instant messaging into a single, easy-to-use application, letting you multi-task with fewer hassles.

• AOL Desktop Gadgets: Light-weight, task-specific mini-applications that display useful information in real time, right on your desktop.

Check out this blog to learn about new features, hear timely tips, and get answers to your questions. Sometimes we'll have important announcements regarding new releases, service enhancements, and bug fixes. Other times we'll just want to share whatever happens to be front of mind for the team. You'll hear from all kinds of folks involved in developing AOL desktop applications.

We also want your feedback. Our comments section is for you to respond to our blog entries, voice your opinions, share your tips, ask questions, or suggest topics you'd like us cover in the blog. We'll be reading your feedback and responding, so please share your thoughts.

Thanks!

Doran Butuche
Senior Product Manager
AOL Desktop Software