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Google strengthens Wave's collaborative editing power by acquiring AppJet Inc.
In a move aimed at improving the collaborative, real-time functionality of Wave, Google has acquired AppJet Inc. AppJet and its EtherPad software provides the only 'really real-time' word processor on the Internet. While there are other collaborative multi-user tools like Google Docs, they only send occasional updates -- EtherPad updates every half a second. Just like Google Wave!
I doubt this is a competitive buy-out. Rather, it's entirely likely that Google wants to integrate EtherPad's technology into Wave.
I doubt this is a competitive buy-out. Rather, it's entirely likely that Google wants to integrate EtherPad's technology into Wave.
One of the strongest features of Google Wave is its real-time nature. You can still treat it as 'turn-based' if you close the window, but if participants of a Wave happen to be watching at the same time, they see every keystroke in real-time. It's the same with many Gadgets and Robots too -- if someone draws on the digital whiteboard or rolls the digital dice, the results are shown in real-time.
The jury's still out on what the Google Wave Preview will result in -- only time will tell! In the mean time though, if you're fortunate enough to have received a Wave invite, why not have a look at our lists of neat Robots and Gadgets and give one of them a go?
[via EtherPad Blog]
Comments
6
Subscribe to commentsHeaven'sHellslayerDec 4th 2009 4:22PM
Where is the out cry? Google makes some of the same business decisions as Wal Mart and they get no flack? I for one think it is a smart move to buy out the middle man, but a lot of people bashed Wal Mart for it. It is a shame. Double Standard big time!
Sebastian AnthonyDec 4th 2009 4:23PM
Well give it a few hours! This is fairly fresh news I think -- I'm sure the outcries are on their way :P
jsmorleyDec 4th 2009 4:46PM
Oh no... I really loved and depended on Etherpad. What a fantastic tool. Wave I can live without. This really sucks. Why didn't Google just leave Etherpad running as it was UNTIL they incorporated the functionality in Wave AND stopped being in a "private beta"? This is really unacceptable behavior.
Sebastian AnthonyDec 4th 2009 4:47PM
Maybe it really was a competitive buy-out, if they're as good as you say!
NathanDec 5th 2009 8:12AM
Well, maybe wave will incorporate features that etherpad had. If you want a wave invite, tweet me @thehacker123
RelequestualJan 19th 2010 2:19PM
And who didn't see this coming?!
It's a shame, I for one will miss etherpad greatly!
It would be sort of ok, if wave could include a coding / etherpad style section, so its not a complete waste!
Etherpad, my condolences, but you are effectively dead. :(
Although, I'm sure you got a good pay off, and sure many people would do the same in your situation, so we can't hate you too much.