At the Google Developer Day (end of last week), a big announcement was the new Google Gears browser add-on and API (now in beta). It’s set to let you run apps like GMail in an offline mode, as well as any other web app that plugs into the architecture.
This is a pretty huge step for online apps, as the elephant in the room has always been how dead they are when you are offline – and everyone is offline at one time or another.
Angus Kidman over has a good exploration of the tech over at APCmag.com. Well worth a look for anyone who is interested in reading about the future of applications. Yes, that includes you…
Google Gears up for offline apps [APCmag.com]
Jared
Monday, June 4, 2007 at 12:00 PMIn the rare occurences that i am not online, eg, flying overseas. This will bring a new level of productivity to offline spaces.
However the downside will be no more excuses for not doing something.
Penguinister
Monday, June 4, 2007 at 12:50 PMMr Balmer hear those faint heavy footsteps, yep thats fate creeping up on you with a 1200LB gorilla called Google.
McbLt
Monday, June 4, 2007 at 6:33 PMThis is a pretty interesting move, considering there seems to be a push to move apps the other way. The ‘work offline’ days seem to be drawing to a close, but maybe the sweet spot lies somewhere in the middle for now?