AOL Explorer | |
Developer: | AOL LLC |
Discontinued: | yes |
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.[1] AOL Explorer supported tabbed browsing and used Microsoft's Trident browser engine.[2] The browser was briefly succeeded by AOL OpenRide in 2006, followed by AOL Desktop in 2007.
In 2003, AOL was given rights to Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser in a seven-year contract.[3] 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.[4]
AOL Explorer was praised by PC Magazine for its wealth of features and its visual design.[5] Some criticisms were that the browser had "questionable anti-spyware tools", and that it did not support third-party toolbars.