AOL, Microsoft ready 8.0
eWeek | at | by Mike
America Online and Microsoft are gearing up for launches of their latest Internet software, and as with prior releases will try to match and outdo each other with new features-this time with an eye on customization. While Microsoft, of Redmond, Wash., has been forthcoming with many of the new features due in MSN 8, AOL has tried to keep things quiet until the software is formally launched. However, sources say there's quite a number of similarities between the two offerings.
For example, while Microsoft stresses MSN 8's new parental controls, customization, elegance, and the best e-mail functionality, the core of AOL 8.0 is expected to be similarly customizable and feature an improved look and feel. With 8.0, AOL has included several new features that allow users to customize how the service looks. "AOL Desktop Themes" allow for customization of the background within the AOL client, similar to the wallpaper function within Windows. "Toolbar Themes" let the look of the toolbar at the top of the AOL window to be changed.