Idea: Application focus - Mozilla Labs | Concept Series

Idea: Application focus

2009-10-28T14:34:22Z

Hello,

This is a theory on how applications could be utilized and combined. Here's a small list divided in to general categories which would give the user oversight and control of all data and communication.

• Data application: Firefox

functions: (file/web/webfile storage)browsing, cloud platform

• Communication application: Raindrop

functions: phone call, voip, instand (video)messaging, (social)networks, forums, sms, (micro)blog, contacts, rss, web conference, e-mail, e-learning, wiki editing

• Scedule application: Sunbird

functions: agenda, calender, tasks, to do list, memo

• Media application: Songbird

functions: (audio/video)streams, podcast, (desktop/web)audio/video player and photoviewer

It would be useful to have direct connections between applications when the definition of a file covers more than one category.

For example, using Raindrop to communicate in (social)networks but allow easy upload/download functions for pictures or video's to such sites with an indirect (via Raindrop> 'upload with Songbird') or direct (within Songbird) command. Another example, viewing your Wiki's alongside your desktop files and brows them as if they were right on your computer but also add the function to reach your Wiki's with Raindrop. So you can communicate and work together on it with other people.

Making Raindrop, Sunbird and Songbird accessible for desktop and cloud could generate a complete and flexible user experience. Giving them their own left and right sidebars (Songbird format) and toolbar for fast and efficient control. Switching between applications with toolbar scrolling.

Thank you for reading and feel free to comment.

Answer by merond for Idea: Application focus

2009-10-29T21:54:09Z

I like the general idea (which of course is suitable for a concept), but i'd love to see someone take a step in the more detailed direction in this line of thinking. :)

Answer by unknown (google) for Idea: Application focus

2009-11-02T12:43:26Z

The 'Add Comment' function did not work. Therefore I posted my response to Merond here.

I'm not shure what kind of details you are referring too, but I hope this gives a bit more insight.

Firefox should be the general multi-platform explorer for desktop and mobile devices, creating a universal and recognizable interface for almost any (internet)device. Seeing Raindrop, Sunbird and Songbird not as an separate application but an specialized interface adapted for specific files and content.

The application is always running (just like MS-Exporer). You see the address-bar placed standard on top on the screen. This will function as the search-bar for the device. You can search for a file and it will open in the interface it's best suited for. You can also just view the files in a general explorer window. When a command finds multiple kinds of files it will open different interface tabs.

All commands will be initiated with buttons or Ubiquity. The interface appears on the screen as if it's been there all along. For example, when a file opens. you will see the toolbar and sidebars slide into view and in the empty window that remains you will see the files fade-in.

Thank you for reading.

Answer by Natanael L for Idea: Application focus

2010-01-12T14:42:02Z

Maybe this could be done by cutting out XULRunner/Gecko right out and making it fully seperate and using it as a base, where each application is an interface and set of functions using Gecko?

This would allow more integration (I think.) Gecko could be one proccess, the Firefox UI one, the tabs one each if seperate tab proccesses will be implemented, Songbird would be one UI, etc...

Everything would be able to access everything else, and Ubiquity could be installed once and could control FF, Thunderbird, Songbird, Prism and everything else too from one spot.

Answer by unknown (google) for Idea: Application focus

2010-01-15T22:59:30Z

@Natanael This solution seems very promising. There should also the a feature which prevents the browser from freezing when a loading web page does (for now, only applied in Chrome).