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.”