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| Developer(s) | AOL LLC |
|---|---|
| Initial release | July 2005 (2005-07) |
| Final release | 1.5[1]  / May 2006 |
| Preview release | none (n/a) [±] |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows |
| Successor | AOL Desktop |
| Type | Web browser |
| License | Freeware |
| Website | downloads |
AOL Explorer, previously known asAOL Browser, was a graphicalweb browser developed byAOL. It was released in July 2005 as a free, standalone download, or as an optional software bundled while installingAOL Instant Messenger.[2] AOL Explorer supportedtabbed browsing and usedMicrosoft'sTridentbrowser engine.[3] The browser was briefly succeeded byAOL OpenRide in 2006, followed byAOL Desktop in 2007.
In 2003, AOL was given rights to Microsoft'sInternet Explorer browser in a seven-year contract.[4] As such, AOL Explorer shared similarities with Microsoft's flagship browser, notably the ability to access Windows updates, and install Internet Explorer-compatible plugins.[5] Security features such as apop-up blocker and spyware detection were built into the browser.[5]
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 ascreensaver, and Show Page Preview allowed users to see previews of web page links without leaving the page.[6]
AOL Explorer was praised byPC 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-partytoolbars.[5]
