Google rolled Opensocial version 0.7 out to it's Orkut Sandbox late last week. This was a very welcomed push, as it cleared up a ton of issues that had been present since the 0.6 version was implemented.
Hi5, one of Google's launch partners soon followed suit by producing a very functional and stable sandboxed version of 0.7.
The obvious benefit is that developers can now test code against (2) working ( Production ) versions of Opensocial 0.7, which is to be the version on which Opensocial is to be officially launched at the end of this month.
We are still waiting on full functionality from both containers; but this is to be expected, as the system is effectively being designed as it's being built.
For the most part, both of these networks are stable, and much of the functionality is supported. We expect to see full support of Opensocial 0.7 from each of these social networks very soon.
We also expect other networks like Ning and MySpace to follow up with their own 0.7 implementations shortly.
0.7, where to get info?
Opensocial version 0.7 is fairly well documented at this point, so there's plenty to read about.
One of the major changes that took place in 0.7 was the re-namespacing of much of the old 'Gadget' functionality. All of the _IG functions that developers were used to working with in the 0.5-0.6 era have been removed
or added to a new namespace that will be available in Opensocial: Gadgets.
The documentation for some of this can be a bit difficult to find, so we've compiled a list of links below:
Release Dates? Release Dates?
Yes, they're now semi-official.
Subscribers to Google's Opensocial Group already know that the release date for Opensocial on Orkut is coming up at the end of February. This will be the first public launch of Opensocial and quite an astounding feat, especially since the production of Opensocial only started a few months ago.
Considering the relative stability of the Orkut sandbox at this point, we're expecting Google to hit it's announced deadline without issue.
Update 02/26/08 :: Orkut Delays Launch :: Google has just announced that Orkut will not go live at the end of February as planned.
Instead, there will be an incubation period (which they're calling a 'pre-launch testing period') that will last approximately (4) weeks and will showcase just a few applications. These applications are to be hand-chosen by Google and application authors will be notified if their application is selected.
Google has since followed up with a clarification of the new launch plan after concerns were raised among the developer community. The initial announcement read like a full blown launch, with minimal attendance. The clarification assures the developer community that this 'testing period' will only involve a small number (<1%) of Orkut users. Also, the playing field will be 'leveled' at launch time. Bravo!
Also, Orkut's Widget Directory submission form is now online. Google is asking that developers submit their polished applications to this directory in anticipation of the launch. The tentative deadline for application submission is February 15th, 2008 ( Some chatter we've heard implies that this is not a 'strict' deadline, but simply a guideline for developers. So bookmark this form, you'll definitely need it. )
You can visit a thread on the topic here.
Here's a link to the Submission Form.
What's next?
The momentum is definitely picking up, and as the launch date near it's hard to tell what will happen next. We're expecting MySpace to formally announce a launch date soon, in fact, a note on their blog implies that launch is mere weeks away. Very Nice.
Hi5 has been quietly working on their implementation, and are running neck and neck with Orkut as far as functionality goes. We expect this network's launch is on the horizon as well, so make sure and tune in to their developer forum for further info.
Ning is still functioning with stability on the 0.5 version of Opensocial. This is likely due to the many fluctuations in the Opensocial specification at this point. They shouldn't have any problem catching up, however, as the Shindig Project is and will continue making container implementation a trivial task. We look forward to good things from Ning.
The standardized functionality across hi5 and Orkut, specifically, is an awesome testament to the accomplishments made by the Opensocial development team(s) in the past months.
For developers, the dream of "Write Once, Run Anywhere." is slowly but surely becoming a most welcomed reality.
Stay Tuned...