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AOL has released version 6.5 of their popular instant messaging service, with a heavy focus on social features. The biggest new feature in AIM 6.5 is the Tunes Plugin, which allows you to stream music that your buddies have added to their playlist. It takes a similar idea to services like last.fm and imeem and brings them to your buddy list, without requiring an additional download.
The new AIM has also borrowed a page from Facebook, allowing users to leave a “status message” that is available regardless of whether or not the user is online. Then, users can see an aggregate view of their friend’s status messages. AIM also plans to soon add a feature called “AIM Profiles,” which will include social networking features and the ability to share photos. Other new features include an enhanced text messaging mode, the ability to keep “notes” on each of your buddies, and AOL launching its own short code to allow users to perform IM functions over SMS.