AOL trials next-generation IM

NEWS AOL has started testing updates to its Instant Messenger software which could give users animated backdrops to their messages. Closely mirroring Yahoo's new chat features, the AIM Expressions feature of the Instant Messenger 5.0 beta is trialling four images based on the upcoming Warner Bros film, Eight Legged Freaks. AOL claimed the idea came as an extension to the popular Buddy icons feature which allows users to download images which are positioned in the corner of the message window. Last October, Yahoo released animated message wraps called IMVironments which it then sold to film and record companies to enable them to promote future releases.