Browser Desktops

What Happened to Browser Desktops?

When Ajax was launched in 2005, certain innovations were put forward to test the capabilities of this new programming technique.

Aside from that, the creativity of developers have certainly reached a level that was not even thought of five years ago.

In almost any given moment, something new, innovative and Ajax based comes out. During that time, users are already enjoying different online applications that are specifically made with Ajax.

It was probably the best of time and the worst of time for Ajax. The introduction of Ajax has placed on a spotlight different frameworks, websites and developers as they display their expertise and usefulness in building an Ajax based application.

Unfortunately, some websites and tools are not able to develop further because of different circumstances.

Desktop on Browser

One of many tools and online applications that met its demise when Ajax further evolved was browser desktops. These are online applications that emulates the function of a desktop but they are launched through the browser.

Desktops on a browser can practically replace the regular desktop because it offers the common functionalities found in a desktop.

For example, AjaxOS.com is an online application that has folders, applications and even small games that you can add.

Your specific desktop configuration will be launched in the browser and will be distinguished through your username.

What is remarkable about this online application is that it connects your files to your Gmail account. That means your hard drive is your Gmail account.

Frankly, this is a very smart idea since it will give the users free hand on what they would like to experience in a desktop without having to bring their laptop or desktop everywhere.

With a simple username and password, your files and every configuration important to you (even the desktop background).

But even with these advantages, the idea of desktop on a browser did not flourish. AjaxOS.com and another similar website YouOS.com is not functioning anymore.

The following are the reasons why Ajax based desktops did not flourish:

• Inability to Emulate Desktop Experience - These online applications are unfortunately, very slow. It will always be limited by the bandwidth speed and a regular DSL is not able to properly launch the browser desktop.

• Availability of Removable OS Experience - Not everyone could be online all the time so it is almost impossible to properly access data from browser desktops at will.

Instead of an online experience, what flourished is the removable storage device (flash disks and memory cards) that contain the personalized browser. It will not also leave an footprint on the computer used.

• No Monetary Support - Since the online application is not able to load properly, earning through ads is out of th question. Ads could be added in the online application but it will just slow down further the online application.

Maybe the world is not yet ready for an online desktop. It is really a revolutionary tool if it could just be properly launched and planned out.

For now, you can say goodbye to online browser desktops and hope someone from a big software company decides to push for this type of online experience.