Opera just "reinvented the web"!

[El Koeno]

Opera just launched a service called "Unite". Read more about it here, or at the Unite website.

Opera Unite allows you to easily share your data: photos, music, notes and other files. You can even run chat rooms and host entire Web sites with Opera Unite. It puts the power of a Web server in your browser, giving you greater privacy and flexibility than other online services.

I'm not quite sure why this is reinventing the web. Sure, it sounds like it could be practical if you have a computer that you've got running all day... but reinventing the web? What are your thoughts?

 

[GoodGame]

Just started reading the link, but it looks like they're talking a P2P network to provide typical webservices---file hosting mostly.

I don't follow this hype though:

Looking for freedom? Do you want to share things with who you want, when you want? Do you want to stay in touch with your friends, chat and collaborate, without your data being at the mercy of middlemen? Now, with your own web server, you'll be ready to do all this directly from your computer.

You're still at the mercy of the 'middlemen' unless you are an ISP provider. I guess one could run a LAN via this software though? Does anyone actually do that? P2P Lan parties?


EDIT: Reading this link further, it's basically that your web browser can be your interface for running your computer P2P. Then there's a lot of hype about fighting the man . This is an interesting idea, but since almost nobody owns an ISP, data transfer limits will choke this. It's more like getting the full power of your upload speed/data limit to host a virtual server for your buddies/family. And Java expertise still needed unless you trust using other people's code for your own private server (not to mention that its through all the users ISPs).

 

[El Koeno]

I don't think there's been a lot of hype. Much to Opera's despair, probably.

However, their idea for a jukebox sounded like fun; connect with a few friends, each adds a few songs to the jukebox and you can just listen music together. It sounds pretty neat if you're bored and on MSN talking to a friend.

I've just updated to Opera 10 Beta 1, and I don't really feel like updating again. Let them sort out the bugs, and I'll get back when they include in an Opera 10 Beta.

 

[GoodGame]

mini-Napsters are still illegal.

One application of this that would be legal and might take off is mini-gaming networks for multiplayer online games.

 

[Zelig]

mini-Napsters are still illegal.

Not in this country!

 

[GoodGame]

Not in this country!

It is so in mine!!!

 

[GVBN]

Photo sharing and chatting with people? Wow this sure sounds new and exciting

I guess the fast setup time is a good thing for non-geeks, assuming they even use Opera

 

[GoodGame]

I could see this for gaming though. One could set up mini-ladders, only sharing with people passworded to P2P network, without the need to use an outside matchmaking-server (should reduce ping if the players are in the same region). Also one might have live participatory games----like a Civ Democracy game in real-time where everyone can chat and see the game running.

 

[El Koeno]

Photo sharing and chatting with people? Wow this sure sounds new and exciting

I guess the fast setup time is a good thing for non-geeks, assuming they even use Opera

I'm guessing Opera is trying to capture that crowd.

 

[Maniacal]

Not in this country!

Actually I think they are illegal here. The court ruling that said the yweren't was overturned and is several years old.