AOL launches public beta of new video service on Monday

On August 2, the Time Warner Group will announce the development strategy for its America Online division. According to foreign media reports, on Monday this week, AOL will begin public testing of its new video service. AOL hopes that this video service will become an important source of future advertising revenue.

This new service is called "AOL Video," and it will serve as a one-stop video service on the AOL website. Similar to the currently popular video-sharing site YouTube in the U.S., this service will allow users to upload video clips, watch thousands of video programs, and view free TV episodes from 45 video-on-demand channels via various devices.

AOL executives also stated that by the end of this year, users will be able to subscribe to these videos and even rent videotapes. The specifics of how videotape rentals will work are still unknown.

The 45 video-on-demand channels include Viacom's MTV, Nickelodeon, and "Comedy Central Network," as well as A&E Television Networks, and video content from Warner Bros., which shares the same parent company.

According to AOL insiders, under a feature called "UnCut," users can upload, share, and discuss their own video content, which is very similar to YouTube. Additionally, users can send videos through mobile phones, handheld devices, and computers. Furthermore, in the near future, AOL will support users watching videos on handheld terminals or mobile phones equipped with Microsoft's digital rights management software.