America Online Inc. Tuesday launched AOL Plus to deliver enhanced multimedia content and features to AOL members using AOL 5.0 over any high-speed connection -- TCP/IP, DSL, cable or satellite.

AOL 5.0's "speed detect" feature will begin rolling out this week, automatically downloading the technology that will enable enhanced multimedia content and features like full-motion video and streaming audio via the "AOL Plus Tower."

AOL Plus will provide content and features from providers of broadband-enhanced news and entertainment programming, which at launch will include: AthletesDirect, CBS SportsLine, CBS MarketWatch.com, CNET Networks Inc., CNN, FOXNews.com, FOXSports.com, House of Blues, Launch.com, Max Broadcasting Network, Travelocity.com, and weather.com, as well as America Online (AOL) brands including MovieFone and Spinner.

Some of AOL Plus' features will include:

• News and information from CNN, and streaming video news coverage from FOXNews.com and FOXSports.com
• 5-Day weather forecasts, with streaming, dynamic mapping images from weather.com
• Streaming video sports highlights and team reports from CBS SportsLine; interactive interviews from AthletesDirect; and game analysis and previews from Max Broadcasting Network's leading Web sites, Maxfootball.com and Maxbaseball.com
• Daily, streaming market analysis and video wrap-ups after the closing bell from CBS MarketWatch.com

Over the next several months, AOL Plus will be expanding to include Shopping, Games, Autos and Real Estate content.

"Our goal in developing AOL Plus was to set new standards for streaming video and audio programming while offering AOL members the easiest-to-use, most reliable broadband content experience online," said Jonathan Sacks, Sr. vice president and general manager, AOL Interactive Services.

"Via the AOL Plus Tower, quality, full-motion video and streaming audio is presented just 'a click away' and in context as members navigate throughout the AOL service."