Imagine being able to access your computer’s desktop from any other computer, simply by opening a web browser. This is the vision of
iCould, who has launched a suite of applications, storage and sharing features displayed within an OS-like desktop that runs from a web browser, specifically Internet Explorer and Firefox as of right now. Applications execute on your local machine, rather than a remote web server, improving response time and making your virtual desktop feel less… well… virtual!
iCloud has several features that add collaboration functionality. Multiple users have the ability to collaborate on documents, share calendars with to-do lists and task management, file, media and bookmark sharing, and more. Also with integrated social networking features users can engage and chat within iCould. The biggest drawback right now is limited browser support but iCloud is aiming for compatibility across a wide range of browsers and mobile devices.
After turning down a $500 million buyout offer from Facebook earlier this year, rumors have been flying about Apple, Microsoft, and Google acquisitions of popular microblogging social network Twitter. Co-found Biz Stone goes public on the topic, squashing those rumors with an appearance on ABC’s “The View.”
“We’re just getting started as I’ve said. The company is two years old, we have so much to do, so much product stuff to fix, and so much growing to do.”
Nielsen Online reports that Twitter received over 7 million unique visitors in February of this year, compared to 475,000 one year earlier.
Source: Twitter co-founder says company not for sale
Facebook, in response to other popular social sites such as FriendFeed and Twitter, has redesigned their traditionally click-to-update news feed into a live status stream. New advanced filters have also been added to the mix that allow you to view your status stream for just family members, local friends or a variety of other options. Preview the new Facebook design set to go live mid next week.
Last week an article discussing Twitter’s lack of loyalty stated that this was not an issue for Facebook or MySpace. Well at least for the latter there seems to be a difference of opinion, or actually fact. Today an article in the New York Times discussing a MySpace makeover and the challenges facing their new CEO Owen Van Natta who is just starting his second week, also points out comScore statistics that show MySpace in actually losing users, most likely to Facebook. Several of my friends have used MySpace bulletins to let their friends know that they are moving to Facebook. Some even go as far as to change their profile names to phrases such as “Jenny (Who now only uses Facebook).”
Well in Twitter’s case, my opinion is that these flaky tweeters are simply the effect of Twitter’s recent popularity spike. Microblogging is not for everyone. I’m sure Twitter will settle into steady growth pattern in the near future. Perhaps if Twitter does add new features to their platform they may appeal to a wider and more dedicated user base. As for MySpace, they may need to focus their efforts on their younger users to bring some momentum back to their social networking super-engine! Both of these platforms still have alot of potential that I think has yet to be realized.
