Mozilla has released a new prototype extension that attempts to bring the command line to the browser. The extension, called Ubiquity, uses a set of predefined commands to do things like map an address the user has highlighted, shoot off an email, and more. A good example of this can be seen in the screenshot above where the user highlighted “Chicago Comics,” launched Ubiquity, and was given a list of matching addresses.
Once you’ve got Ubiquity installed you’ll be able to press Control+Space (Option+Space on Mac) to launch the command line window. From there you can use one of the 71 built-in commands (that URL will only work if you’ve installed Ubiquity) to manipulate highlighted text, perform searches, and more. Plus users can even create and share their own Ubiquity commands.
The extension is pretty powerful, and I was surprised at it’s stability considering what an early release it is. They’ve setup a nice tutorial for beginners that will walk you through how a lot of the different stuff works, and it’s something you’ll really need to go through if you want to make the most of what it has to offer. There’s also a video demonstration I’ve posted at the end of this article.
I’ve read on some sites that a feature like this could be something we see in the next big Firefox release. In the past Mozilla has said that they only add features to the browser that will be used by over 90 percent of their users. Ubiquity is undeniably appealing to power users who praise the keyboard, but anyone that is mouse-centric probably won’t touch this with a ten foot pole. My guess is that this one will remain in the land of add-ons.
So what do you think of it? Is it something you’ll use, just try out, or don’t even have any plans on installing it?
Ubiquity Homepage
Thanks Trip!
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Tags: Firefox, Freeware, Pre-Release, Software, Features, Prototype
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Well…well…well look who is making a comback. First it was good with it’s search queries, now this. Looks like CLI is becoming popular with the web and with computers with programs like Launchy, Gnome-do, etc.
I share your excitement about this.
The only thing I didn’t like when I read the initial description on Mozilla Links was the email was going to be integrated through Gmail. I don’t have or want a Gmail account.
It is a bit surprising to see the various uses of the command line that people are coming up with, but I have a hard time believing that it has secured a place in general usability. I just can’t see casual users trying to take the time to use features like this.
I’m sure there will be support for other services in the future, but they probably just did Gmail as a quick test run.
I just took a look at the newly released IE8 beta 2. Microsoft has developed a feature called Accelerators which seems to have the functionality of Ubiquity without the command line hassle. In fact, it appears as if Mozilla released Ubiquity to try to preempt Accelerator. We’ll see how this all plays out.
Damn FF is the next EMACS.
That’s actually a good point. I never really associated the two features, but you’re right about them being similar in their purpose.
The idea behind Ubiquity is to build a community-generated lexicon of natural-language commands. Initially, the default commands are reminiscent of the command line. However, over time the vocabulary, syntax, and interface should open up to become much more intuitive. Right now there is a pretty steep learning curve, but if Ubiquity catches on, you will probably see web developers contributing some pretty interesting stuff. This may be similar in some ways to what Microsoft is developing for IE8; however the fundamental approach is different because command development is decentralized, open and community-based.
Here’s an update which describes the amazing speed of Ubiquity development:
[azarask.in]