July 2010 Summaries

Google has introduced a new font previewer feature for its font directory, allowing users to test and customize web fonts using the Google Font API. This tool enables users to preview fonts by editing text, adjusting size and line height, adding decorations, and applying text shadows. The previewer generates the necessary code for users to easily integrate the selected fonts into their websites by copying and pasting the provided stylesheet link and CSS. Additionally, users have the option to view a distraction-free sample of the font by toggling controls. The Google Font API team, represented by Marc Tobias Kunisch, sees this as a valuable tool for exploring and utilizing web fonts, and they are eager to receive feedback on the new feature.

Orkut has announced a redesign of its app pages, focusing on improving usability and speed, with changes initially being rolled out to a sandbox environment for developer feedback. The new design features a canvas page where options are more descriptive and accessible through dialogs, enhancing user interaction without leaving the page. The apps directory now offers a cleaner, two-column layout without descriptions, and includes a search function for easier navigation, along with a "my applications" section for managing apps. App information such as screenshots and descriptions is now displayed in a pop-up window, replacing the previous app page and allowing users to add apps more efficiently. Additionally, user profiles have been simplified by displaying a single app prominently, with others accessible via a drop-down menu, and a "my applications" box is added to drive traffic to app pages. Feedback on these changes is encouraged through the forum.

In July 2010, Google introduced new features to the Google Buzz API, aiming to enhance its functionality based on user feedback. The most notable addition was the Google Buzz firehose, which allows developers to access all public activities in real time through a single subscription, facilitated by PubSubHubbub syndication. This feature inspired creative applications like Buzz Mood, an app that gauges the mood on Google Buzz by analyzing posts for specific keywords. The launch saw integration with several partners, including Collecta, Gnip, OneRiot, Postrank Analytics, and Superfeedr's Track, expanding the API's utility. Additional features included feeds for user comments, likes, and shared counts, which are detailed in the Google Buzz API documentation and open for discussion in the Developer Forum. Google's team, led by John Panzer, expressed a commitment to ongoing innovation and encouraged feedback from users on these developments.

In July 2010, Google announced the release of version 1.6 of the Google Data API .NET SDK, which introduced support for the latest updates in Contacts and Documents services, as well as Google Analytics. This version also featured a user-friendly ResumableUpload component, designed to facilitate the upload of large files such as YouTube videos and documents. The update was made available for various platforms, including Windows, Mono, and Windows Mobile, and users were encouraged to report bugs or request new features. The release aimed to enhance the developer experience by expanding service compatibility and streamlining the process of uploading large files.

App Inventor for Android, announced on July 12, 2010, is a Google Labs project designed to allow individuals without an engineering background to create complex Android applications without writing code, using a visual design interface and behavior blocks. This innovative tool aims to introduce programming and logic concepts in an accessible and engaging manner, despite not offering all the features of the latest Android SDK. Developed through significant research in educational computing by Google and others, and spearheaded by Hal Abelson, the project seeks to transform introductory computing experiences. The initiative was shared on the Google Blog, inviting users to explore its potential and share their experiences.

Google's Apps Marketplace, launched in 2010, is designed to enhance the utility of its cloud-based applications such as Gmail, Calendar, Docs, and Sites by integrating them with third-party software applications. This marketplace leverages a web-centric approach, allowing users to operate seamlessly across devices without the need for constant updates typically required by client-based software. It supports a variety of programming languages and hosting platforms, providing developers with flexibility and eliminating concerns about vendor lock-in. The key advantage of these marketplace apps is their integration with Google Apps, featuring single sign-on capabilities and incorporating features that simplify everyday tasks. Examples include project management tools that integrate with Gmail, presentation apps linked to Google Spreadsheets, and meeting management tools compatible with Google Calendar. The marketplace offers a wide array of business applications across various categories, continuously expanding its offerings to suit diverse business needs.

The Orkut engineering team has been actively working to resolve several issues that have disrupted the app's service, acknowledging the inconvenience caused and providing a status update on their progress. These issues arose due to the complexities associated with integrating frequent updates from open-source software into Orkut's code, which sometimes makes bug identification and resolution challenging. Specifically, the team has fixed a bug that resulted in user app preferences being overwritten, causing activity updates to fail. They are also addressing a problem related to data pipelining, which affected viewer and owner information retrieval, and a directory listing issue that incorrectly marked some featured apps as "being reviewed." The team is committed to applying permanent fixes and has expressed appreciation for users' patience during this period, encouraging them to follow a forum thread for ongoing updates.

In July 2010, the WebFont Loader, a JavaScript library designed to enhance the web font experience, was updated with the new Ascender Module, allowing integration with Ascender’s FontsLive web font service. This update facilitates seamless switching between various web font providers like Google and Typekit, offering developers advanced controls for managing web font behavior across different browsers. The WebFont Loader aims to improve consistency and performance by allowing developers to set fallback font sizes that reduce content reflow issues. Google collaborated with Ascender and DevBridge to develop this module, highlighting its commitment to advancing web typography.