Dulles, Va. - AOL (NYSE: TWX) has announced the launch of Open AIM 2.0, a new incarnation allowing developers greater access to its AIM instant messaging network and giving them freedom to integrate the technology into their websites. Web-based messaging providers meebo and eBuddy were the first to sign on to the new program. It also will give participants a way to generate income through AIM Money, a new advertising revenue sharing platform expected to debut in April. Since launching its original Open AIM program in 2006, AOL said that more than 235,000 third-party developers have signed on to create everything from plug-ins that allow users to send money, to bots that send users notifications when their friends post new pictures and videos.

Waltham, Mass. - Online video distributor PermissionTV on Thursday announced that it is powering the distribution of the New York Philharmonic's recent historic performance in North Korea. Available at NYPhil.org for the next 60 days, the video includes the orchestra's complete performance, and commentary and interviews with members of the orchestra about their experience before and after the concert.

Boston - OurStage, a Boston-based website for independent musicians and fans, has announced a strategic partnership with AOL Music that will extend the reach of OurStage's independent music content to AOL Music. Under the agreement, OurStage will provide content, including new music by top-ranked artists on its site, interviews, streaming audio, and videos for distribution on AOL Music. In addition, AOL's Platform A will become the exclusive ad-serving network for OurStage.com.

Redwood City, Calif. - Electronic Arts (NASD: ERTS) said on Wednesday that former University of Arkansas running back and two-time All-American Darren McFadden will appear on the front cover of its NCAA Football 09 title for the Xbox 360, scheduled for release on July 15. Three other cover athletes from different regions of the country will appear on the front of the game for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and PSP systems.

London - Slicethepie, a music discovery site where fans help fund album releases from their favorite artists, plans to release the first album financed through its model on Monday, the debut album from London's The Alps.

Cupertino, Calif. - Apple (NASD: AAPL) on Thursday introduced a beta version of the software tools developers will need to create third-party applications for its iPhone, in an event at its headquarters in Cupertino, Calif.

Menlo Park, Calif. - Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB), a venture capital firm focused on technology, said on Thursday that it has launched a new $100 million fund to invest in companies developing applications and services for Apple's (NASD: AAPL) iPhone and iPod touch. The iFund, as it is known, plans to back companies with "market-changing ideas and products" related to the popular devices.

Hong Kong - Five Hollywood studios that sued Chinese Internet café chain media service provider Jeboo, over its subscription movie download service, have settled their pending litigation, with Jeboo agreeing to cease its infringements and pay a "significant" amount in damages.

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San Francisco - A number of top music managers say that their artists have not seen any revenue from deals made by their labels to offer their music videos on Google's (NASD: GOOG) YouTube video site, CNET News.com reported. "I don't know any artist who has gotten a royalty statement (from their label that includes YouTube money)," music attorney Chris Castle told News.com.

Toronto, Canada - In order to align the musicians' interests with those of their record label or management company, they should get stock options, much like the company executives get. That way, it would be a true partnership in building the artists' brands for the long run, according to Terry McBride, CEO Nettwerk Management. It was one of the innovative ideas he brought to the table at a session on the new 360 deals at Canadian Music Week's digital music & media summit.

Washington - A U.S. House subcommittee on Thursday approved a bill that would beef up the government's protection of intellectual property, after removing a controversial provision that would have increased penalties for pirated compilation CDs by allowing each track to figure as an infringement. The House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property passed the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act of 2007 (PRO IP Act), which would create a White House-level Intellectual Property Enforcement Representative, and new division within the Department of Justice, in addition to raising financial penalties for copyright infringement.

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New York - Adconion Media Group, an independent online ad network that last week announced an $80 million third round of financing, said on Thursday that it has acquired direct marketing services provider Frontline Direct for $20 million in cash and equity.