(12 April 2008 1:00 pm)

MUMBAI: US internet service provider AOL has launched the AOL Technology Network, which includes Engadget, Switched, TUAW (The Unofficial Apple Weblog), Download Squad, Engadget Mobile and Engadget HD.

This network the company says will be the second largest technology news and information publisher online. Consisting of tech blogs, the technology network will provide users with a complete resource to gather information about the latest technology news and products, and will let advertisers seamlessly integrate ad campaigns across these sites.

In addition to the launch, Engadget and Switched also unveiled a new design today. Each site will have a more streamlined look and feel. Switched, now powered by Engadget, will serve as the network’s central hub. All the sites in the network will feature tabs at the top linking to the other AOL Technology Network sites, making it easy for users to navigate across them.

AOL Money Finance and Weblogs SVP Marty Moe says, "By creating the AOL Technology Network, we’re bringing together some of the web’s most powerful and fastest-growing tech blogs to create a technology publishing powerhouse. The new network, coupled with the redesign of Switched and Engadget, reflects our ongoing commitment to creating the most compelling destinations for consumers on the web."

Platform-A president Lynda Clarizio says, "One of our top priorities at Platform-A is to make it easier for advertisers to leverage the power of digital media, and the AOL Technology Network helps us achieve this goal.

"Combining these great technology information sites into one network lets us offer marketers the ability to more easily buy across these sites, and reach some of the savviest and most engaged consumers online."

Visitors will be able to access network sites directly from their existing domain names or through a link on AOL.com that will take users to the network.