Download Squad

Everyone uses media these days but, unfortunately, it usually ends up tossed all over the Internet. Say you've got a batch photos at Flickr, a few videos at YouTube and a bunch of podcasts at iTunes, plus all the stuff on your computer that you've been meaning to upload but can't figure out just where to put. Not only is it a pain in the neck to figure out what you've stored where, it's really a hassle for others to sort through your media to find interesting things. Sound familiar?

BlueString just might be the answer you've been looking for.

Anyone with an active email address (it doesn't have to be AOL address, either) can register for free at the site and upload up to 5 GB of content into a secure account. 5 GB not enough? Bump it up to 50 GB for $99 per year. Now you can access all your media from any computer with an Internet connection and a Web browser.

Once you've uploaded your personal LOLcat pictures and videos of your pet peacock doing the polka, use BlueString's media editing tool "String It" to create a mashup or movie. Then email your friends and invite them to add their own music or pictures. Like a scaled down version of iLife, you can even drag and drop images, reorder clips, and add some simple transitions.

All kidding aside, this is a terrifically useful tool for, say, siblings looking for a way to create a keepsake video for mom and dad using all the video and pictures they took at last month's 50th anniversary party. Business users can use String It to assemble a presentation and let remote workers participate in its creation. Later this fall, users will also be able to link directly other media sharing sites without having to upload content anywhere else.

It seems AOL (this blog's parent company) is trying to shed their old stodgy image, and this breakout Web site is a terrific step in that direction.