MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, August 29, 2002 -- Netscape Communications, a subsidiary of America Online, Inc. (NYSE: AOL), today announced the release of Netscape 7.0, the latest version of Netscape's browser software, designed for consumers who want to get the most from their time online. Netscape 7.0 is available for free download at: http://www.netscape.com/browsers. Optimized for the activities people most frequently engage in on the Web -- browsing, searching, communicating, downloading, shopping, and listening to music -- Netscape 7.0 offers consumers a faster, more convenient browsing experience through a set of new features that include:
*** Quick Launch -- Speeds the start-up time for the browser and allows consumers to get online faster than ever.
*** Tabbed Browsing -- Lets users keep track of multiple sites or pages simultaneously by maintaining numerous sites as tabbed pages within a single browser window. Users can easily click between pages using a tabbed interface, allowing users to browse the Web faster-and stay organized.
*** Click-to-Search -- Allows users to easily run a search on any word or phrase in the text of a web page without having to leave that page. Users simply highlight the word or phrase using their mouse and choose "Web Search". Results appear in a separate window and in the Search tab in My Sidebar.
*** Instant Messaging -- AOL(r) Instant Messenger, within Netscape 7.0, now includes several new features that make it more convenient and customizable than ever, including support for Buddy Icons, file transfers and Buddy Alerts. In addition, Netscape 7.0 now provides built in access to the ICQ service.
*** Netscape Mail -- The new and more powerful Netscape Mail has been enhanced with user-friendly features such as Quick Search and simplified Mail Filters to make it easier for consumers to efficiently organize and manage all their online communications.
Localized versions of Netscape 7.0 are being launched in the UK, Canada, France, Germany and Japan on the same day as in the US, providing international users with a browser and online environment tailored to their local region. Traditional Chinese and Spanish versions of Netscape 7.0 are also available for download.
This latest browser release reflects the growing momentum of Netscape and the latest step in its evolution as a connecting point among AOL Time Warner's family of Web brands.
"The growing momentum at Netscape and across all AOL Time Warner's web brands reinforces our commitment to providing consumers with continued choice in online content, tools and services, and the release of Netscape 7.0 is yet another example," said Joel Davidson, Executive Vice President of AOL's Web Properties Group. "By more tightly integrating world-class content from the AOL TW family of web brands across Netscape, we are providing even more benefits to consumers."
"We know that consumers are spending more and more time communicating, working, and being entertained online, and Netscape 7.0 is loaded with new features designed to enhance and simplify the activities consumers most frequently engage in on the Web," said Laura Yecies, Vice President of Netscape's Client Product Division. "We are excited by the positive feedback we've received to the Preview Release of Netscape 7.0 and look forward to providing consumers the ability to take their browsing experience to the next level."
Radio@Netscape PlusTM Powered By Spinner
In addition to the launch of the new client, Netscape.com features enhanced access to entertainment and music features like the new Radio@Netscape Plus Powered by Spinner. Radio@Netscape Plus is a stand-alone radio client offering listeners easy access to a rich online listening experience. As a downloadable player, Radio@Netscape Plus provides a higher quality listening experience and more functionality than the web-based Radio@Netscape player currently available (which launched in May of this year). Powered by the popular Spinner radio client, Radio@Netscape Plus offers the same great features that made Spinner the number one online radio service since launching in 1996 such as a minimized toolbar state, "Now Playing" information and contextual links to artist and song information. Radio@Netscape Plus has been enhanced beyond the Spinner player to feature a new design with better navigation as well as access to an even wider range of premier programming, including local radio stations, a dedicated Associated Press news station and sports programming.
The launch of Radio@Netscape Plus is part of AOL Entertainment's broader strategy of creating integrated programming and products including a radio platform - across AOL's network of interactive services that expand consumers' ability to enjoy audio programming. Conveniently accessible from the popular Netscape Music area, the new Netscape 7.0 browser and the Netscape Network Toolbar, Internet radio fans can download their own free Radio@Netscape Plus player by visiting www.music.netscape.com/radio.
Expanded Netscape Network Drives Web Brands' Growing Momentum
As part of today's launch, Netscape also unveiled a new toolbar and an expanded Netscape Network that will provide users with special content from top AOL Time Warner online brands as well as seamlessly integrated web-based tools and services like AOL(r) Instant Messenger, Netscape Mail and Netscape Calendar. The updated Netscape Toolbar, offering quick and easy access to the online tools and services that consumers use most, is now featured on sites across the AOL Time Warner online universe. The updated Netscape Toolbar features leading Netscape branded tools including the new Netscape Search powered by Google, Netscape Mail, AIM(r), Radio@Netscape and MapQuest. The Netscape Network reflects the continuing evolution of the Netscape brand as a cross-promotional engine among the AOL TW online properties, and represents another way to bring consumers the best of the Web, right at their fingertips. Netscape Network users will have access to special content, offers, and promotions from a range of AOL Time Warner properties, including EW.com, People.com, Netscape.com and other world-class media sites.
The Netscape Network is the latest step in an evolution that has resulted in increasing traffic to Netscape.com and AOL Time Warner Online properties as a whole. Since these cross-promotional efforts began, traffic to Netscape.com has increased more than 20% year-over-year, attracting more than 21 million unique visitors in July. In addition, Netscape has helped to drive traffic to Time Warner online sites, which have seen their traffic increase by more than 50% in the past 12 months, including a number of sites seeing traffic increase by more than 100 percent year-over-year. These cross-promotional efforts provide consumers with easy access to a distinct, compelling and stimulating combination of information, entertainment and services.
Contact Info:
"Derick Mains, Netscape Communications"
(650) 937-3329