AOS File Extension Definition

If you've looked through your Windows Explorer and found some files with an .AOS extension, you might be wondering what they're for and how they got there. Here's a complete overview about the AOS file extension.

What is the AOS file extension?
The AOS file extension is a file used by the Nokia 9000 Communicator cell phone. The extension "AOS" is actually an acronym for "add-on software." These files contain updates for the software installed on the cell phone. Owners of this cell phone could download updates from the Nokia website, and the updates were in the form of .AOS files, much like the way "apps" are downloaded to today's smart phones, such as the Blackberry, iPhone and Driod.

Can I still get AOS files from the Nokia website?
No. Because the Nokia 9000 Communicator cell phone debuted in the mid-'90s, Nokia no longer supports this cell phone. This cell phone is considered to be one of the first "Smart Phones" ever. It debuted in 1996. The phone was large, like most '90s-era cell phones, but it flipped open, revealing a QWERTY keyboard. The phone contained 8MB memory and used a monochrome display. Although it looks archaic by today's standards, it was quite an impressive, high-tech gadget back in 1996.

Chances are, if you have AOS files on your computer, you probably own or owned this cell phone. Because the phone is so old, files with an AOS extension are uncommon today, unless you are looking at a computer hard drive from the 1990's.

Can I open an AOS file with a program to see its contents?
No. There are no computer programs out there today that will open a file with an AOS extension. You can try opening the AOS file with a text editor, such as Notepad. A lot of what you see will be gibberish, but you may be able to retrieve some text.

Other facts:
Actor Val Kilmer uses the Nokia 9000 Communicator in the 1997 movie, "The Saint." He probably had some AOS files on his computer!

The modern equivalent of this phone is the Nokia E90.