Project Phoenix is the name that has been christened upon AOL Inc’s new web-based email program, which has been designed to be faster and easier to use. This means that with the Project Phoenix inbox page, one is able to send a quick email, text or instant message on the ‘quick bar’ at the top of the page. Also, one can send a short reply directly from the inbox without necessarily having to click on the message.

In addition, toggling between open emails is made possible as well as being able to view recent photo attachments in thumbnails at a glance.

Project phoenix also allows users to link their email services from other providers such as Yahoo, Microsoft and Google just like their other competitors. There are also plans to link the inbox with social networking sites such as FaceBook and Twitter. AOL assures that the new email service loads twice as fast as Google’s Gmail inbox.

Advertising, which is a prominent feature in AOL’s current inbox, is noticeably missing from Project Phoenix. The project leader, Fletcher Jones stated that the company was working on other methods to make money using the redesigned email service. A tactic to do this would be the placing of links on top stories inside the inbox.

Jones stated that the company was undergoing extensive changes, a fact characterized by the overhauling of AOL.com’s homepage with bolder graphics and designs. At first, a few users are being invited to try out the project but later on, anyone will be able to access it.

The company is yet to develop a concrete strategy on how to switch everyone to the new design.

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