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Play Time

The new AIM software also comes with a button for launching online games and inviting buddies to play, Odell says. If the buddy accepts the challenge, the game launches in a separate window in the gamers' computers.

"It's a natural extension of the social interaction you get with instant messaging," he says.

Currently, eight games are available, but the list will continue to grow, Odell says. The games are provided through a partnership with publisher Wild Tangent.

This games feature isn't earth-shaking but important nonetheless because it serves as a magnet for drawing users to the service, Osterman says. "If all your friends are playing games on AIM, then that's an incentive for you to sign up for AIM," he says.

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said by Mele20 :

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[...] but I know Viewpoint Media player is not spyware. It is an excellent 3D player. I have it on all three of my browsers.[...]

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said by DrDemonic :

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viewpoint media player also seems to be a part of aim. you can remove it, but it always comes back in your programs list if you have aim and u restart ur pc. if u remove aim, it will never reappear. what aol is dooing installing all this bs is totaly lame, damn cowards.

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