Keep in touch with this instant messaging app
AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) is an online messaging service that was one of the first of its kind. You can send chats, photos, and audio files between you and your friends.
Fast, easy communication
AIM connects you to your friends and family, so they are always an instant message away.
AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) allows users to chat in real-time with friends, and add new users to their friends' lists. You can customize your profile with a picture and a short caption, so your friends and family know it’s you. Also, share photos, audio clips, and videos with them quickly and securely.
You can create chat lists so you can organize your friends and colleagues more clearly. AIM automatically formulates a list of top friends, the people you talk to the most, and you can edit it manually. Message your friends at the right moment, by checking that they are online. This appears either on their profile or in your chat list, with a green circle next to their name.
The only downside to AIM is that profiles are public for anyone to see. The company themselves state that profiles are available for media and marketing purposes, compromising the security of users.
Similarly, users can add others to their friend list without requesting approval beforehand. This enables strangers to see if someone is online, read their status, and have access to their profile. AIM insist that personal information is never compromised, but this poses a threat to users who don’t want their profile to be openly accessible.
Where can you run this program?
AIM runs on Windows desktop and mobile, MacOS, and Android mobile.
Is there a better alternative?
There are many alternatives out there, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, LINE, and Google Chat. These applications have better security features and a bigger user base.
Our take
AIM is the first to introduce instant messaging and provides a very standard service. Despite its simple interface, it doesn’t fare well against competition.
Should you download it?
Yes, to try a different instant messaging service such as Line or WhatsApp. But these offer more enhanced features and a higher level of security.
