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Google Releases Desktop Gadgets For Linux
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.'"
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.
42 I guess
If you count Opera's widgets, this isn't the first cross-platform widget/gadget system.
making it the first cross-platform [desktop] gadgets framework
Wasn't Konfabulator the first? It supported both Mac and Windows, and was the tool of choice until Apple decided to release the Dashboard.
Do people really use them? I don't use any of the widgets on my Mac OSX system. I sort of used the calculator, but do I really need one in the background all the time? On Vista I shut down the sidebar, what a huge waste of resources. And why do I need a clock gadget when there's one already in the system tray? This just seems like a gimmick to waste collective time.
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.
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.
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.
the first cross-platform [desktop] gadgets framework
So, this Konfabulator thing I've been running for years isn't cross-platform after all? Thanks for clearing that up, Slashdot!
I'm only wearing black until they come out with something darker.
which is totally what she said
... 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.
Google's development methods are quite different than other companies. Many of these beta services and products they release are not something the company is using to make money, but are the individual projects of the engineers. Each engineer gets 20% of their time where they must work on their own thing. A lot of those "things" eventually get tossed out for the public to play with, usually as betas and often as OSS projects. Sure, Google could pay engineers to work on this full time, but it isn't clear that is really going to make them money. Linux on the desktop improvements aren't exactly a goldmine. Rather, I think it is nice they let the engineer donate this code to Linux and let people help him integrate it into Linux.
If they correct grammar and spelling, the answer is "more than you're currently using."
That's because they want you to use their product - not one of the other dock apps that exist. That's just smart business strategy there. First, Google looks great because they are supporting Linux when so many big companies don't touch it with a ten foot pole. Second, they get the "common geek" using their tools/APIs/etc. And third, they get more mindshare which is huge for any company.
And, honestly, you could make this argument for any piece of open source software. Why do people make their own? Because they can. One of the best things about OSS.
They should use Windows, because nobody likes a toilet that runs all day.
http://www.mhall119.com