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AOL and .mac IM Not Entirely Integrated

Posted by pudge on from the one-more-reason-not-to-pay-for-.mac dept.

gsfprez writes "While chatting with some Apple employee friends (with .mac accounts and iChat), we were stumped why we couldn't see each other on AIM. It seems that AOL has decided to take the opportunity -- while integrating the .mac users 'into the fold' -- to modify their AIM protocols so that Open Source clients (like Fire and Trillian) can't see those with '@mac.com' IM accounts, and vise versa. Bottom line: you can't be seen by .mac IM users, and they can't see you, unless you get the crufty, single service AOL IM client. The only positive affirmation of this is from the Fire mailing list. 'Into the fold ... sorta' is more like it." Well, it's still early, this may merely be about bugs that need fixing, rather than intent to block .mac users. We'll see.

2 of 61 comments (clear)

  1. Why don't you just get a REAL instant messager... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    ...which will let you talk to whoever you want?

    MSN Messenger is the best IM client anywhere, ever. Quit screwing around with that .mac crap! (BTW, isn't that no longer free?) And stay away from open source--it has too many security holes.

  2. Re:It's Not a Bug Needing Fixing by bmetzler · · Score: 2, Funny
    Too bad AOL seems gung-ho about preventing these fine application from being put properly to use.

    You mean from stealing AOL's resources, right? If AOL wants to only let their clients, or licensed clients connect, then they should be able to do so. It's their resources after all. If Trillian wants to be compatible, they should step up to the plate and talk to AOL, just like Apple did. If AOL declines, well, this is a free country and you can do business with whoever you want.

    -Brent