AOL's AIM gets new do

America Online says it has launched a new version of its Instant Messenger service, which enables people to send notes to their buddies instantly. AOL said version 4.7 for Windows offers not only a new AIM window and new buttons, but also other new features including the ability to send customized greeting cards within instant messages; the ability to create and store personalized notes; the ability to share names from the Buddy List feature with friends; and HTTP proxy support to provide people with easier connection to the AIM service from work. The new service offers people the option to send animated emotions such as a thumbs-up animation to a colleague. Version 4.7 also includes a rate-a-buddy feature that enables people to submit photos and rate IM buddies. The upgraded version is available at AOL's Web site. Dulles, Va.-based AOL is a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner. The company recently said it is close to announcing a partner for testing links between its AIM service and other IM networks.