I’m somewhat taken back by the lack of understanding towards Google’s Chrome Web Store from various hosts on technology podcasts that I listen to, such as: Buzz Out Loud and Tech News Today. The general consensus is, “Why do we need yet another marketplace?” And “How many times will a developer have to create an application?” It’s almost as if they can’t see the future coming. In my tiny/little world I’m not afraid of marketplaces because they remind me of the software repositories available to us in Linux. Also with the semantic web meaning something to web developers, we’re finally clearing the jungle of web applications not working on multiple browsers.

Where is Google Taking Us?

Before I continue I’m going to make some assumptions, and of course we know that assuming things will make you look like an ASSumption. We should all be aware that Google more or less acts as a catalyst to what’s coming in the world of technology. The company is stacked to the brim with very smart engineers and forward thinkers; the “pathfinding” is an inevitable result. We all know that Google is horrible (simply horrible) at marketing. So; whenever they launch a product or service it may not make sense to us now, but when it all comes together you’ll be glad that Google did it and not some other mega corporation; looking at their bottom line.

Segmentation

The big debate for the podcasters is them trying to understand why Google has both the Android OS and Chrome OS. To me, it’s pretty simple. Android isn’t ready to be on devices such as a Tablet, Notebook, Netbook, or a Desktop. Instead of forking Chrome OS to work on small devices such as a smart phone, Google focused on a “small device OS” and happily named it “Android.” As for the other devices, with the operating system becoming a thing of the 90′s, Google is focusing on a platform that can interface with the increasing number of applications hosted on the Internet.

So; What About the Web Store

This web store is kind of greasing the pipes for us that already live on the Web. For those of us that have an understanding that Chrome OS is still alive and the Internet will continue to expand our abilities to be productive… the web store is giving us a glimpse into life using Chrome OS.

For one; it only works if you have a Chrome browser. While using the browser on your desktop, try using ONLY web applications. Figure out what applications you currently use and then pick the equivalent app in the Chrome Web Store. Below is a comparison table for desktop applications and their web-based counterparts.

Chrome Notebook

I signed up to the pilot program for a Cr-48 Chrome notebook. Normally; I didn’t think it was possible for a lone web developer, such as myself to get one of these, but while listening to these short-sighted podcasters — I’m optimistic. I’m a perfect candidate, I practically live on the web anyway. My biggest challenge would be web development. My most intense developing situation would be a PHP application connecting to a MySQL database, but for the most part I develop simple, yet web standards compliant web sites [INSERT SHAMELESS PLUG FOR DIGITAL ALIAS HERE]. If Google provides me an enhanced version of Notepad+ or Bluefish, I think I’d live.

I’d love to know what you think of the Chrome Web Store and where our Internet gods are taking us!

I’m on and off with listening to Linux Outlaws, but their last podcast for the year 2009 went out in style. All other podcasts are doing a roundup of 2009, but for the most part, I feel that folks are half-assin’ it. These guys did it big by highlighting significant events in the world of Free and Open Source Software. The coolest thing, which has me writing this blog post, is the parities of their favorite podcasts. It starts out like something happened to the show (with some radio distortion) and then a bizaro FLOSS Weekly or The Linux Link Tech Show would play, with Dan and Fabian acting as the hosts. I LMAO’d on the train, headed to work, it was good stuff.

It was odd at first, I didn’t know what was happening with the show, but after the second interlude, I realized their genius. I eagerly awaited their paratiy of The Linux Action Show (recently renamed The Computer Action Show). I don’t think I heard it.

Anyway; great job fellas. You guys have class and do Linux proud with your podcast! Please check out their show.

I’m wondering what the state of Linux podcasts are. I never thought about it until Linux Outlaws did their year-end wrap up of 2008. They said it themselves, we’ve lost some good shows and they didn’t expect for their show to be in the same category as “one of the longest running Linux podcasts.”  Neither did I, but things change – Linux has evolved and so have podcasts.  Where do we stand in 2009?

Lost Shows

Here are a couple of shows we lost over the years:

• LugRadio – barely understandable, but a bunch of UK gents talking Linux.  Very funny and some how informative.
  
• Linux Reality – best one-man, linux newb-focused show in the history of Linux podcasting.  All 100 episodes are still available for download.
• Fedora Reloaded – never really got off the ground, but it could have been awesome!
• Linux Action Show – dramatically changed their format, in essence we’ve lost “Linux Action Show” for “In Depth” on YouTube.

True there are other shows, but these were kind of the pioneers of their time.  You can find all the relative Linux podcasts at www.thelinuxlink.net, which I believe is being maintained by one of Linux podcast mogle Dann from The Linux Link Tech Show.

Out of all these shows, I’m most sad about Linux Action Show.  These guys have a chemistry that is second to none.  They do have lots of other shows, but I’m not interested in their topics.  To have these guys go back and forth, kind of fighting for air time to share with us their thoughts (so passionetly) about a Linux topic was worth the weekly, bi-weekly, whatever release schedule.  Now, the YouTube videos are mostly one of them just droning on about the topic, no fun.

OGG on my Face?

I edited this post (14 Jan 2009 at 12:29) after replying to CDavis‘ comment.  What is the deal with some of these shows exclusively exporting their shows in OGG format.  I have a blackberry, which was provided by my job, and it does not support OGG.  So instead of my easy transition  syncin’ my MP3 files and my mobile device using gPodder, I’ll now have to use SoundConverter – and that’s just MORE steps.  I finally got gPodder figured out too – ARGH!!!!!

I understand the freedom of OGG, but since you’re trying to make Linux more mainstream – stick with the format… or at least offer the MP3 format… that the mainstream folks/devices are using.  Of course this is more easily said than done for me since I’m not a podcaster.  As soon as I find a smart phone that supports OGG, I’ll be all over it, but until then – I’m stuck with MP3 podcasts.

Your Thoughts

What are your thoughts on the state of Linux podcasts?  Do you think they are growing, shrinking dramatically, dying out, what!?

Through Twitter, I was introduced to an amazing project called “gPodder“.  It’s a podcast receiver/catcher written in Python utilizing PyGTK (for its GUI).  It supports Linux and FreeBSD.  The amazing thing about it is, I was looking for a podcast catcher just a few days earlier and I was totally lost.  My keywords were just all over the place and I ended up with results that were totally left field.  I think the keyword would be “catcher” or “receiver”.  I’ve used Amarok and Banshee, but I could never figure out how to sync with my Blackberry.

Well a friend of mine tweeted someone on Twitter about Banshee so I started following the other person.  And luckily for me about a day later that guy tweeted about gPodder.  I jumped on it and I’ve been happy ever since.  Thank you Web 2.0 – you really work!