AOL Takes an ‘OpenRide’ with New Client

 

AOL launched “OpenRide” a new version of its downloadable client that creates a dynamic, four-panel browsing experience. It contains four panels or windows, which are automatically resized when clicked: IM, Mail, a Web browser and “Media Center,” which features video, radio, pictures and desktop/personal files.

To get a sense of how it works you actually need to download and use it. The idea here is to keep multiple panels/windows open and be able to move easily and seamlessly through them, accessing content without launching a new browser.

Kudos to AOL for experimenting with the user interface. Tabbed browsing on Firefox and the new IE 7 offer substantially the same functionality, however, although the experience isn’t as “flashy.” 🙂

This new OpenRide client is for broadband users and is very usable. The question is: will it get people off their current browsers? The IM and multi-media features have the best chance to drive adoption here. As Om Malik points out, this might be a successful way to retain AOL users who are switching from dial-up to broadband.

Here’s a bit more from the WSJ (sub. req’d) and AP.