About Alpha

Alpha is where we explore all kinds of new ideas at AOL.

Alpha was conceived in 2014 and began with the mission to conceptualize and develop new experimental apps quickly, with a long-term goal of bringing new and hopefully large audiences to AOL. Now after more than a year and a half, our mission remains to bring amazing quality products to market quickly. However, this year we’re shifting our focus from sole app development to bringing AOL brands and strategic partners great products on new and emerging platforms. What remains the same, with every product we strive to create unique experiences that help people connect with each other and the world around them.

Alpha has been very successful in creating quality apps quickly and operating like a startup within one of the oldest and most successful internet companies in history. But unlike a startup, we have the luxury of being under AOL’s umbrella of leadership and expertise, which allows the resources and finances many startups can’t imagine. Unlike a startup that would focus all its resources on one project, we are able to create multiple projects, pivot if needed and move on to the next when it’s time.

Our experienced team of almost 20 designers, developers and engineers are able to research, develop and launch products quickly and efficiently. The team brings experience from industry leaders such as The New York Times, IAC, HBO, Amazon and Disney. Under the leadership of Drew Lesicko, General Manager and Product Director, Michael Cosentino, the Design Director, and Evan Fribourg, the Engineering Director, the team combines the best from the East and West coasts.

The past six months were busy for the Alpha team. We launched Sage for web, iOS and Android, launched Engadget’s tvOS app and launched Vivv, our most recent iOS app for editing photos and videos. We are dedicated to experimenting with emerging platforms, but will maintain our expertise in web, iOS, and Android. Over the next year we plan to launch more tvOS apps, dive into the virtual reality realm and even integrate brands on Roku and other OTT systems.

As you know, we started Alpha with mobile apps, developing Pip as our first app. Since then we’ve created products for iOS, Android, web, Apple watch, Alexa Skills, Amazon Echo and tvOS. We’ve learned a lot since our first app and continue to learn with each product and platform.

Alpha will continue to support AOL’s mission to be a mobile-first company by launching more apps and products on various platforms this year. And, unlike previous projects created solely under the Alpha brand, we’re working with AOL’s amazing portfolio of brands and experimenting with how we can help them by developing great products.

Our new focus brings excitement for the team and for AOL brands. We look forward to a strong and busy 2016 and we hope you check back here occasionally for updates and expert posts from our team.