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This article's factual accuracy may be compromised due to out-of-date information. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (December 2012)
In 2003, AOL was given rights to Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser in a seven-year contract. As such, AOL Explorer shared similarities with Microsoft's flagship browser, notably the ability to access Windows updates, and install Internet Explorer-compatible plugins. Security features such as a pop-up blocker and spyware detection were built into the browser.
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 a screensaver, and Show Page Preview allowed users to see previews of web page links without leaving the page.
Reception
AOL Explorer was praised by PC Magazine for its wealth of features and its visual design. Some criticisms were that the browser had "questionable anti-spyware tools", and that it did not support third-party toolbars.
/ May 2006