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Tag: AOL

  • AOL to launch new video portal

    AOL to launch new video portal

    MUMBAI: AOL, live and on-demand entertainment video programming and video search provider, has announced that it will preview a beta version of its new AOL Video portal later this week.

    Available for free at http://www.aolvideo.com, the new AOL Video is an all-in-one, high-quality entertainment destination to find, watch and share millions of videos across the Web, informs an official release.

    New features on the AOL video portal include, over 45 new video-on-demand content channels with thousands of hours of video programming from entertainment brands, organised and accessible via video search, browse, or an interactive programming guide; free streaming content as well as the ability to purchase and download full-length content that can be viewed on multiple devices and PCs, online or offline; and access to millions of music videos, news clips, movie trailers, full length TV shows, and more, adds the release.

    It includes more than 45 new video channels with content from entertainment brands including A&E Television Networks, MTV Networks, Turner Networks, Warner Bros. Entertainment, among others.

    “AOL has long been a leader in online video and with the new AOL Video portal we have created the best and easiest place online for anyone on the Web to find, watch and share the videos they’re looking for,” said AOL executive VP Kevin Conroy.

    “From originally produced and licensed programming to branded online video-on-demand channels to user-created videos that people create, upload and share on the Web themselves, AOL Video is truly the first one-stop source that brings the best videos on the Web together in one place and gives consumers more choice. If a video is out there, you’ll find it here on AOL Video.com,” he adds.

    AOL Video also includes AOL Video Search, which is based on video search technology from Truveo and Singingfish, and a video player that can go full screen without losing picture quality and that supports AOL’s exclusive Hi-Q video format to watch DVD-quality videos online.

    In addition, the portal includes AOL’s new UnCut Video offering, which makes it easy to upload and share videos online by providing full device support, letting consumers upload and share videos directly from their camcorder, Webcam, video-enabled mobile phone, as well as their PC.

  • AOL co-founder Case apologies for Warner merger

    AOL co-founder Case apologies for Warner merger

    MUMBAI: The co founder of US internet service provider AOL Steve Case has apologised for merging his company in 2001 with Time Warner.

    The merger proved to be a disaster and the company lost $200 billion of its value. The entity was called AOL Time Warner but then embaressed executives at Time Warner decided to drop AOL from the company’s name a few years down the line.

    In an interview on US pubcaster PBS with Charlie Rose Case expressed frustration that the merger did not develop in the manner that had been hoped for. He however, still belives that it was a good idea.

  • AOL announces closed captions for online video

    AOL announces closed captions for online video

    MUMBAI: US internet service provider AOL is testing closed captions for streaming news content from CNN that will enhance the online media experience for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

    Captioned CNN video content will be available throughout the AOL network, including the AOL service, the free AOL.com Web portal and the AOL Video portal.

    AOL says that it is the first consumer Internet service to provide captioned online videos, has offered closed captioning since 2003 for select content on its KOL service for kids aged 6 to 12, including Princess Natasha the original cartoon series created exclusively for KOL. AOL also offered synchronized text transcripts for CNN news updates that were limited to the text of a news anchor’s script.

    Now, content from CNN, including videos for the day’s headlines, current events, new stories, entertainment and more, will be manually captioned to ensure all of the audio in a video stream is completely accessible. AOL plans to provide closed captioning for additional video content over the coming months.

    AOL has been working on this initiative with WGBH’s Media Access Group, the organisation behind the development of technologies and services that make all forms of media accessible to the 36 million Americans who rely on captioning or video descriptions. This work was also supported by a grant to WGBH from NEC Foundation of America, which supports programmes with national reach and impact in assistive technology for people with disabilities.

    AOL says that its captioning initiative is an extension of AOL’s Accessibility Policy, a company wide priority that aims to address and meet the technology needs of people with disabilities.

    AOL adds thast closed captions for streaming videos builds upon its leadership position as one of the best online destinations for video. AOL delivers an array of products and services that together provide a complete video experience, including compelling video programming, best-in-class video search and a high-quality video playback experience for all Internet consumer

  • AOL announces nominees for 2006 ‘TV’s Top 5! Viewer Awards’

    AOL announces nominees for 2006 ‘TV’s Top 5! Viewer Awards’

    MUMBAI:AOL announced the nominees for the 2006 TV’s Top 5! Viewer Awards honouring television’s most talked-about moments from the past year in unique categories such as Best Trainwreck Moment, Best Steamy Smooches Moment and Best Creature Comforts Moment.

    The finalists and winning moments are determined solely by fan voting, which opens today at 6 PM (EST) on the web at AOL.com/television (http://www.aol.com/television).

    Beginning today at www.aol.com/television, fans can view all the nominated moments and vote for their favorite in each category. The five finalists, one from each category, will be announced on 7 August. Voting will then re-open to determine the season’s best moment of all. The winning clip will be revealed on 21 August. This is the fifth year that AOL Television has celebrated the year in TV by letting the fans pick the best moment.

     
    The following are TV’s Top 5! Nominated Moments for 2006:
    BEST TRAINWRECK MOMENT:

    — Mrs. Perrin has a meltdown on “Trading Spouses”

    — Andre sobs uncontrollably on “Project Runway”

    — Isaac Mizrahi gets hairy on E!’s “Live From the Red Carpet”

    — Donald Trump flirts with his own daughter on “The View”

    — Paula goes off on Simon “American Idol”

    BEST OH SNAP! MOMENT:

    — Nate has a seizure on “Six Feet Under”

    — Edgar dies of nerve gas on “24”

    — Tony gets shot by Uncle Junior on “The Sopranos”

    — Michael kills Ana Lucia and Libby on “Lost”

    — Chris Daughtry is eliminated on “American Idol”

    BEST CELEB DID WHAT?! MOMENT:

    — Ellen flips a bird on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”

    — Reese feuds with Biff on “The Late Show With David Letterman”

    — Jennifer Garner accidentally reveals her baby’s sex on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”

    — Letterman tears apart Bill O’Reilly on “The Late Show With David Letterman”

    — Star gets hit by a football on “The View”

    BEST CREATURE COMFORTS MOMENT:

    — Leno gets bugged out on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno”

    — The world’s ugliest dog shows up on “Last Call With Carson Daly”

    — A family of super dogs wow the crowd on “Live With Regis & Kelly”

    — A dog catches a Frisbee while on his hind feet on “The Late Show With David Letterman”

    — Ellen gets a great big puppy hug on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”

    BEST STEAMY SMOOCHES MOMENT:

    — Kate surprises Jack with a kiss on “Lost”

    — Carlos makes a tantalizing offer to Lynette on “Desperate Housewives”

    — Jim lets Pam know how he feels on “The Office”

    — Derek and Meredith give into their passion on “Grey’s Anatomy’”

    — Joy smooches Meredith before she leaves “The View”

    The nominees have all been featured on TV’s Top 5!, AOL Television’s daily recap of the best five moments of the previous day based on fan response and input from AOL Television’s editors. Fans can view these moments at aol.com/television and give feedback on their favourite clip of the day. The nominees are among the most viewed and highest rated moments from the past year, according to an official release.

  • DIC Entertainment & AOL partner to create strategic TV & online programming block

    DIC Entertainment & AOL partner to create strategic TV & online programming block

    MUMBAI: DIC Entertainment (DIC), an independent global brand management company based in the US, and AOL online kids destination, KOL, have formed a partnership to co-produce a new Saturday morning branded programming block, KOL’s Saturday Morning Secret Slumber Party on CBS, which will premiere 16 September 2006.

    DIC and KOL will also develop online and on-air co-production initiatives in conjunction with the block. DIC and KOL are also now in development on programs for the 2007 season, informs an official release.

    As per the agreement, KOL and DIC will co-produce programming for the 2006 broadcast season, including the new television series Dance Revolution. This series is inspired by Konami’s hit video game franchise Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). The new dance competition series will be hosted by Radio KOL DJ Rick Adams, who will also continue to maintain his live online radio show for kids available on KOL.

    In addition, KOL and DIC will develop a website designed to transform the programs airing on KOL’s Saturday Morning Secret Slumber Party on CBS into a comprehensive and interactive experience for kids. KOL will also offer special online programming including games, program clips, behind-the-scenes features and more to drive on-air viewership.

    Dance Revolution and the online activities will support the schedule of programming debuting this fall on the E/I compliant branded block. Other programming on the Saturday Morning line-up includes Cake, Horseland, The Animated Trollz and Madeline. 

    Additionally, KOL will create public service announcements on healthy eating, to air during the block and online utilizing KOL’s popular original animated character Princess Natasha, adds the release.

    DIC will seek initial guidance on all programming to air on the KOL’s Saturday Morning Secret Slumber Party on CBS, from children’s experts from the DIC Educational Advisory Board — a group comprised of leading media experts, educators and pediatricians created to provide information, guidance, advice and general expertise to DIC in the development of multimedia programs and projects for children.

    “With AOL’s expertise in developing online programming and our success in building brands such as ‘Princess Natasha’ and Radio KOL, appealing to millions of kids, we are confident that this landmark partnership with DIC will be a tremendous success,” says AOL Kids & Teens SVP Malcolm Bird. “Once again, AOL is leading the industry by building another initiative that taps the power of television and the online medium to ultimately grow a larger audience across both platforms.”

    “Kids today continue to expand their entertainment options beyond television, and our new partnership with KOL will provide us with a tremendous opportunity to reach kids through the launch of the new Saturday morning programming block on CBS as well as through KOL’s growing online destination,” comments DIC Entertainment chairman & CEO Andy Heyward. “We are thrilled to work with KOL to co-produce innovative programming and to create a unique cross-promotional program that will drive kids online; increase on-air viewership and provide our clients with an effective way to reach kids in a progressive safe environment.”

  • AOL to launch an action sports network

    AOL to launch an action sports network

    MUMBAI: US internet service provider AOL and Fusion Entertainment have announced a joint venture Lat34.com. This is an interactive network dedicated to action sports, including skate, BMX, FMX, surfing, snowboarding etc.

    The two parties state that this surging category already claims upwards of 100 million US fans. The new network will emphasise both programmed and user-generated content, including action sports video on-demand, event coverage, action sports athletes up close and in-depth coverage of all aspects of the action sports culture.

    Lat34.com – named for the company’s location in Los Angeles which is considered to be the unofficial home of action sports in the US– is dedicated to bringing action sports information to the Web. Capitalising on AOL’s position in online video, Lat34.com promises timely video coverage of action sports wherever they occur. In addition, Lat34.com will offer fans the chance to contribute by uploading their video, photos, blogs and more.

    Key features of Lat34.com will include:

    — Action sports event coverage and calendar, up-to-the-minute action sports news, action sports video on-demand, athlete profiles, action sports movie previews, gear information and connecting fans of specific sports together via AIM social network platform, blogs, meet-up groups and provide tools for uploading video and photos.
    — Video and photo highlights of action sports culture, including fashion, music, movies, local events and links to some of these popular sites.
    — An in-depth action sports database with vertical search capability to access athletes’ past stats and current records, events, gear, tricks, movies, sites, etc. built by users.
    — Original programming such as athlete Blogs and profiles, photo galleries and video programming.
    — On-demand footage of various action sports events around the country.
    — ‘Trick of the Day’: Here users can upload their own video of action stunts and features and enter to win a weekly prize.

    The Jeep brand has signed on as the charter advertiser and is currently running teaser ads for the all-new 2007 Jeep Compass which will be in dealerships later this summer. Jeep Compass is a compact Jeep 4X4 that delivers fun, freedom, utility and capability and more – all at a great value – making it an ideal advertiser for the action sports enthusiast.

    Jeep will also be showcasing video ads on the site to highlight new models shortly. Lat34.com will allow advertisers to tap into the strength of the surging action sports category and action sports fans, in turn, will benefit from targeted and relevant ads that address their needs and interests. The network will offer instream advertising opportunities, including pre-roll, ad curtains and banners.

  • AOL extends open AIM initiative

    AOL extends open AIM initiative

    MUMBAI: American Online Limited (AOL) has extended its Open AIM initiative (http://developer.aim.com) to include support for AIM Bots, location-based services and PC-to-PC voice calling. The update also includes support for developers working on the Mac OS X, Linux, and Pocket PC platforms or with the Java language.

    Launched in March of this year, the Open AIM initiative empowers companies, communities and independent developers to build customized plugins, communications clients and mash-ups that access AOL’s global instant messaging network, states an official release.

    “Already, more than 45,000 developers are working with the AIM Software Development Kit (SDK) to bring their creativity and ingenuity to the 43 million Americans in the AIM community,” says AOL’s vice president for Instant Messaging Marcien Jenckes. “Today, we are extremely pleased to add AIM Bots as well as voice and location services to the Open AIM toolkit, and to invite developers on the Mac, Linux and Pocket PC platforms to get involved.”

    The latest update include:

    — AOL has added support for AIM(r) Bots to the Open AIM initiative. With the new Open AIM Bots program, one click can turn any AIM screen name into a bot. AIM Bot sample code has been added to the updated Open AIM SDK in both C++ and Java.

    AIM Bots are dedicated, opt-in Screen Names that help developers, marketers and individuals create new connections and establish strong bonds with contacts in the AIM community. In addition, AIM Bots can support audio calls, file transfers and picture sharing. For example, an AIM Bot could be created to let users send pictures or podcasts to their blogs.

    AIM Bots respond automatically to instant messages they receive and can maintain IM conversations with multiple users – reaching up to 10,000 people per day – before encountering limits. To prevent IM spam, AIM Bots cannot initiate IMs without permission.

    — AOL’s new AIM Location services are now part of the Open AIM SDK. The new application program interfaces (APIs) – with sample code – have been added to the SDK to let developers build location services into clients, plugins and, in the coming weeks, web sites.

    — AOL is also giving developers the ability to add AIM Talk’s PC-to-PC voice functionality and multi-party voice chat into their custom AIM clients. For the first time, developers can integrate robust audio features based on the open source sipXtapi SIP stack, from sipfoundry.org, into their applications with a single turnkey solution.

    — Finally, AOL has also added Open AIM support for developers working on the Mac OS X, Linux, and Pocket PC platforms, as well as support for the Java language. For complete documentation and to learn more about these Open AIM initiatives, visit http://developer.aim.com/.

    The recent open AIM projects include:

    — Bandalong Entertainment Inc., an interactive media company, formed an agreement with AOL to release an AIM(r) enabled version of their imstar service, which is now built on the Open AIM platform. imstar is the only lifelike, 3-D avatar-based instant messaging program for teens.

    — Doppelganger, designer of the world’s first virtual nightclub, introduced a virtual lounge for music audiences that seamlessly integrates the AIM service. AIM users can log on to a customised version of the AIM client and experience real time communications in Doppelganger’s The Lounge featuring the Pussycat Dolls (http://www.pcdmusiclounge.com).

    — Super Computer International, Inc., (http://www.supercomputerinc.com) announced an agreement with AOL to create a customized version of the AIM service called PlayLinc that will optimize the instant messaging (IM) experience for online gamers.

    — WebEx Communications, Inc., (http://www.webex.com) the leading provider of on-demand collaborative business applications, teamed with AOL in February of this year to announce the creation of a secure, feature-rich version of the popular AIM service for businesses and at-work instant messaging users.

  • Warner, AOL prepare for the return of Superman on In2TV

    Warner, AOL prepare for the return of Superman on In2TV

    MUMBAI: In order to create excitement around its upcoming movie, Superman Returns, Warner Bros. and US internet service provider AOL have launched a special Superman Channel on the entertainment site In2TV www.aol.com/in2tv to celebrate the Man of Steel.

    In2TV claims to be the largest offering of popular television series available online for free and the destination for watching full TV episodes. The Superman Channel is available now through the end of next month.

    In2TV’s Superman Channel will also feature the new A&E documentary Look, Up In the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman directed by Bryan Singer, in its online and on-demand debut. The documentary, narrated by Superman Returns star Kevin Spacey, features behind-the-scenes clips of Superman Returns, Superman fans Jerry Seinfeld, Gene Simmons and Mark Hamill, comic book legend Stan Lee and more.

    The Superman Channel will also have the TV series The Adventures of Superman. The series starred George Reeves is back. Fans can reconnect with the original live action version of America’s favourite superhero in his never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American way.

    Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman — The sci-fi television series had romantically united the duo while exploring the odd love relationship that develops between a modern career woman who falls head-over-heals for Superman while not realizing that he is also her best friend, Clark Kent. It stars Teri Hatcher who is now back in the limelight thanks to Desperate Housewives and Dean Cain. Fans can see how the couple works out their differences.

    The channel will also have Superboy which premiered on American television in 1988. In this, fans join Clark during his college-years at Shuster University. The mild-mannered journalism student battles his arch-nemesis, Lex Luther, while trying to sweep Lana Lang off her feet. The Superboy series introduces “Superman” arch-villains Metallo and Bizzaro.

  • AOL, Warner add two channels to online TV offering In2TV

    AOL, Warner add two channels to online TV offering In2TV

    MUMBAI: US internet service provider AOL and Warner have announced that ‘In2TV’ which claims to be the largest offering of television series available online for free, has launched two new channels.

    Gone But Not Forgotten TV showcases shows that have been cancelled. Get Real TV is a reality TV channel offering some of the most sought-after unscripted, relationship and court series in this arena. ‘In2TV’ also adds twelve new series including many episodes that have never aired on television and more than a dozen new video features.

    Gone But Not Forgotten TV has got in its line up recently aired series. These short-lived shows can be seen with never-before-seen episodes, clips, trivia and games. Wanda Sykes stars in Wanda at Large. This is a sitcom about an outspoken comedian-turned-news reporter that aired a couple of years ago.

    Michael Richards, who starred in Seinfeld returned to television with The Michael Richards Show. He played a bumbling detective. The sitcom was Richards’ debut project post Seinfeld and In2TV is premiering the never-broadcast original pilot episode.

    Center of the Universe stars John Goodman as a father raising a family despite his extended brood’s mettlesome antics. Jean Smart, Ed Asner, and Olympia Dukakis also star in this 2005 sitcom. One of the shows that Get Real TV will air is ElimiDate. This is a survival dating show. The Will is a cut-throat reality competition accentuating the love and greed in every family.

  • AOL launches software to improve PC security

    AOL launches software to improve PC security

    MUMBAI: American internet service provider AOL has launched Active Security Monitor. This is a free downloadable program that continuously checks the status of key security programs – including anti-virus, firewall, spyware protection, wireless security and Windows/browser updates – on a user’s home computer.

    Active Security Monitor assigns a Security Score to each PC on the user’s network and it offers specific recommendations based on the scan’s results to improve user security.

    AOL’s digital services division president John McKinley said, “The secret to security is information. Most people don’t have all of the core security protections they need and, worse, don’t realize how vulnerable they are. Not having updated virus, spyware, and firewall protection is like locking your front door, but leaving your windows and back door wide open.”

    “Active Security Monitor takes an entirely new approach to computer security by regularly checking to ensure that all of the core protections are active and up to date, and it extends that critical information to home networked environments,” he added.

    Active Security Monitor examines each computer on a user’s home network in eight areas: firewall, virus protection, spyware protection, Windows/browser updates, wireless security, P2P software and PC utilities. In each area, Active Security Monitor checks to see if that type of program exists, and if so, whether it is currently running and has been recently updated.

    Key features of Active Security Monitor:

    Simple, clear display of the current security status of each computer on a user’s home network.

    Unified Security Score, a single score that offers a basic summary of each computer’s risk from viruses, identity theft and network intrusion.

    Separate evaluations of each networked computer, so users can tell if security risks exist on any machine that could compromise the network.

    Detection of system vulnerabilities and recommendations to help users download missing security patches and free or paid products to improve their PC’s security.

    Simulations that allow users to see how much their Security Score would improve by following the recommendations.

    Always-on updates and alerts inform users of security status changes, for example, if an anti-virus programme’s definitions are not up to date.