14 DAY TRIAL // iChat AV has been very popular for quite some time, due to the video conference capabilities of the application. Although iChat AV was only compatible with AIM (AoL Instant Messenger), it enjoyed much pupularity among mac users. With the introduction of the new iMac with an integrated iSight camera, Apple is bringing video conferencing into the mainstream and making it readily available for all users. AoL's response? Sever iChatAV compatibility.
The new version of the AIM client, "Triton", is only compatible with other applications when it comes to text chat and file transfer; if you want to use video or voice chat, you can only do so with another Triton user.
Obviously, this comes as a blow to those who bought the new iMac in order to take advantage of the built in audio-video capabilities. At the moment, it is still possible to use the older version of AIM, so, unless your friends upgrade, you will still be able to reach them.
No word has come from Apple on this, but they will probably either upgrade to keep compatibility or build new bridges to some of the other popular Instant Messaging programs like Yahoo! Messenger or MSN messenger. One thing is sure, AoL sure didn't think this one out very well.