Dr. Dobb's | gOS Announces Linux with Gadgets

gOS Announces Linux with Gadgets

Small apps that can be added to the desktop over the Internet

August 08, 2008
URL:http://www.drdobbs.com/web-development/gos-announces-linux-with-gadgets/210000374

Linux vendor gOS has an Linux implementation called gOS 3 Gadgets that instantly launches Google Gadgets for Linux on startup. iGoogle and Google Gadgets are small, graphically rich applications that can be added to the desktop in seconds over the Internet. gOS 3 Gadgets will also preload WINE, LXDE, and other Google software for Linux to improve the user experience. Currently there are more than 100,000 available gadgets.

"We are excited that gOS 3 Gadgets can introduce small applications for small laptops by connecting with the Google Gadgets for Linux platform and its vast application database," said David Liu, founder and CEO of gOS. "With this version of gOS, we are delivering a Linux that is ready for consumers -- a Linux for the rest of us!"

gOS 3 Gadgets includes LXDE (Lightweight X Desktop Environment) applications in an effort to develop a more lightweight desktop. "We are pleased that gOS is working with the LXDE community to achieve faster boot time and response," said Fred Chien, one of the lead developers of LXDE. "We think gOS will be even better for consumer NetBooks and NetTops with some of LXDE's enhancements."

In addition to Google Gadgets for Linux, gOS 3 Gadgets is being shown running Google Desktop as an alternative to Tracker, Google Picasa as an alternative to F-Spot, and Google Earth to complement the existing link to Google Maps. Google Documents, Calendar, and Mail launch in Mozilla Prism windows to closer resemble desktop applications.