You are here: silicon.com > Hardware > Desktops

Desktops

AOL dumps Mac users

Is it cos I is Mac?

By Ben King

Published: 20 November 2001 12:15 GMT

AOL has abandoned plans to develop a version of its browser for Apple's OS X operating system, claiming there just aren't enough users to make it worthwhile.

A beta test version of AOL 5.0 for Mac OS X was released earlier this year, but it's not compatible with the new version of OS X, 10.1.

To build an OS X 10.1 compatible browser, AOL claims it would have to start from scratch, and the company is currently "evaluating" whether it is worth spending money on this project.

The prospects, however, do not look good. An email from Dominic Wells, editor-in-chief of AOL UK, to all the beta testers said: "It is an unavoidable fact that Mac members make up an extremely small percentage of our members.

"We're a mass-market company and the mass-market computer of choice is the PC - so our priority has to be to develop new software for this audience."

An outraged silicon.com reader said: "Despite AOL having assured Mac users of its planned support for Apple's new OS, AOL UK have now officially cancelled their ongoing beta, apparently for financial reasons."

AOL declined to comment further on the story.

  1. Zones
  2. Management
  3. Networks
  4. Software
  5. IT Services
  6. Hardware
  1. Verticals
  2. Public Sector
  3. Financial Services
  4. Retail & Leisure

Seb Janacek Magic Mouse - Apple's best ever? Minority Report: After years of disappointment, one Mac lover has hope

Bethan Jones Can I use a netbook as my everyday work machine? Why silicon.com's sub editor is ditching her laptop for a sprightly mini-laptop


  • Jobs
Senior Test Analyst (Fitnesse OR TDD)

Strong understanding of either Mac OS or Windows OS- Familiarity with Mac OS and Windows OS- Web Browser familiarity (IE, FF, Chrome, Safari)- ...

iPhone Objective C Developer

Demonstrable iPhone/Mac OS Their apps have reached the number one slot in the iTunes category, and have also been featured by Apple. They are ...

Front-end and SEO Developer Macclesfield 30,000

Working with designers and the development team who work with Apple Mac, you will be working on a variety or projects. My client is looking for a ...

Agenda Setters 2009
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.





Quick Sitemap Links: