Last week we launched a new home page for the AOL Developer Network.  The page has been cleaned up and navigation is much easier.  One thing we cleared up was the network that the developer network supports including OpenAIM, ICQ, Truveo, etc.  Some of you may notice a different OpenAIM logo.

Some of the improvements you see on the developer network home page will make their way into the Open AIM developer network pages too.

Back in August, ICQ launched a new developer program called ICQ Open Xtraz.  Xtraz have been a part of the ICQ client for many years but have been limited to partners and internal customers.  Xtraz are web applications that extend and embrace part of the functionality of the ICQ client.  ICQ Xtraz can easily be shared between buddies (similar to the AIM Modules we released in June) and can be uploaded to the ICQ Xtraz gallery.

Making an ICQ Xtraz is really simple thanks to a developer tool and template creator.  These tools make it easy to develop and test your Xtra before uploading it to the gallery.  We have tons of documentation and samples.  Also, make sure you have the latest ICQ 6.5 client, available here.

Check out the development site here.

Check out the gallery here.

API releases are becoming the norm these days from AOL and today we continued the trend with our friends at Mapquest. The Mapquest platform offers free and flexible APIs that allow developers to build rich multi-media applications using a variety of supported programming languages and environments, including JS, AS3, Flash under JS and XML (FUJAX), Java, C++, .net. Here are a few more details, and make sure to check out the Mapquest development blog for updates:

• A Rich Mapping Interface for creating Rich Internet Applications with our JavaScript, AS3, or FUJAX APIs:
  • Aerial Imagery and Hybrid Views – Satellite imagery and aerial photography.
  • Smart Rollovers – Rollover windows that adapt their size and positioning on the map based on the content placed in the window.
  • Smooth Zoom – Animated transitions between zoom levels.
  • Globe View – A map of the world presented as an interactive globe.
  • “Flickable” Maps – Maps that continue to pan based on speed and friction settings.
  • Advanced Shape Overlays – Build apps that allow users to create and interact with a variety of overlays on maps.
  • Advanced Map Marker Features – With “declutter mode,” automatically move collided markers (POIs) to alternate positions on the map with a customizable leader line pointing back to their original location.
• Unlimited Maps – Worldwide: Standard or Tiled.
• Unlimited Geocoding – Multi-line and Single-line Geocoding, Real-time Batch Geocoding, Reverse Geocoding, Postal Code and Town Geocoding.
• Unlimited Routing – Point-to-Point, Multi-point or Optimized.
• Simplified Data Management – MapQuest offers access to simple tools to upload and manage location information to help keep websites accurate and relevant.

After using the Mapquest APIs for a couple of years now with out location services in AIM, I am thrilled by this announcement. Congrats to all the great engineers and product folks at Mapquest that released the most flexible mapping APIs out there.