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Google Releases Desktop Gadgets For Linux

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the more-time-wasters-than-you-can-shake-a-stick-at dept.

mstrom writes "Google announced it has ported its Google Desktop Gadgets platform to Linux, making it the first cross-platform [desktop] gadgets framework. In a sign that Google is fully embracing the open source model, it admits the product is not feature-complete and has opened up the code base hosted on Google Code 'to give everyone a chance to tinker with the code powering the gadgets.' According to Google: "Gadget support is not just a single feature, but rather an entire platform for miniature applications.'"

8 of 172 comments (clear)

  1. It's about time... by TheRedSeven · · Score: 4, Insightful

    For all the Google talk about organizing information and their 'open platform' push with Android, it's about time they start taking Linux platforms seriously.

  2. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  3. Re:Google gadgets? by D+Ninja · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I don't know - however many you want?

    Seriously, whatever Google is actually making is not the point here. What is notable here is the fact that they are providing serious application development for the Linux platform. With so many "big name" companies somewhat ignoring the *nix platform, this is a good thing.

    With that said, I don't know if you were trolling, but have you tried out Google Gadgets (for Windows presumably)? There is some great stuff there. RSS feed readers, weather, traffic reports, etc. Yes, I agree, none of it is terribly important, and you can always head to a website to get that information, but it's always nice to have that information right at your fingertips. And, just because you don't have a use for something doesn't mean other people don't need it.

  4. Re:Google gadgets? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    better question:

    How much spying on your data, surfing, searches, and miscellany does one need on your computer?

    Oh, I forgot. Do no evil.

    Mod me down, but it's true.

  5. Re:Not feature complete by ciaohound · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Are there any apps that Google has released in the traditional sense? Seems like they stay beta forever.

    --
    Oh, yeah, it's not easy to pad these out to 120 characters.
  6. Re:;o by bsDaemon · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ... but is it open source? Yes! Screenshot: http://google-gadgets-for-linux.googlecode.com/svn/images/ggl-standalone.jpg There are many reasons for me to hate Google. Their commitment to Linux and Open Source makes me look past all of them! Isn't that like a woman saying, "I know he beats me, but he bought me a nice car so I'll stay" ?

    It really ought to take a little more to impress you.
  7. Re:;o by Niten · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Isn't that like a woman saying, "I know he beats me, but he bought me a nice car so I'll stay" ?

    No. Not even remotely.

  8. Re:;o by barnackle · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Isn't that like a woman saying, "I know he beats me, but he bought me a nice car so I'll stay" ? yeah, but apparently the nice car was worth the beating. just look at fear factor.