Orkut Apps For India, Estonia...Who's Next?

After previously launching Orkut Apps for Estonia, it looks as if Google is slowly opening the gates by allowing Indian users to test out its features.

(Orkut Developer Blog) Last month's prelaunch testing of the orkut developer platform brought a small set of third-party applications to less than 1% of orkut users. After implementing various improvements, tweaks, and fixes, we are moving into the first stage of the official rollout process by announcing the platform's availability in India, which represents about 10% of the orkut user base.

More analysis can be seen over at Devil's Workshop as well as the Official Orkut blog, who has provided this helpful video on how to add an app to your Orkut profile.





While its good to see more users being able to access Orkut (without having to visit the sandbox aka Orkut beta), Google seems to be ignoring Brazilians, over half of all Orkut users on the site (note: they may have done this for financial reasons, as having millions of Brazilians hitting Orkut Apps could put a strain on Google's servers).

Hopefully Google will decide to include them (as well as everyone else) in the next roll out--otherwise they may have a mini revolt on their hands. :-)

Did Google Renouce Orkut's Little Brother Joga?

A long, long time ago in a place not so far away, Google (along with Nike) created a site called Joga.

Joga, unlike Orkut was a forum dedicated solely to the sport of football (or soccer as it is called in the US). Google even promoted it on Orkut, although many users found the Joga ad to be annoying and thus found ways to block it from view.

While the site had both the cash and resources to make it attractive to the outside world, it was unable to gather a large crowd and it looks as if the site has quietly shut down.

Upon visiting Joga.com a user will encounter this image...



...with the phrase "coming soon" as if the site will relaunch again in the foreseeable future.

Even though Joga never gained the fame of its older brother Orkut, it did provide a unique testing ground for Google as most of the features previously inside of Joga (video's, large albums, etc.) were implemented within Orkut later on after the site was relaunched with a brand new look.

Whether or not Google brings Joga back only time will tell. But if Google ever does finally decide to dust off this web domain, hopefully they will bring back some of the humorous videos that populated the site, like this one below.

Merry Christmas From Inside Orkut (Plus Video)

Thanks to everyone who sent me an email or scrap wishing me a Merry Christmas.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday whether on Orkut or off, and I hope the Orkut team enjoys their Christmas vacations (as they duly deserve after all the improvements they have made to Orkut).

For your enjoyment, here is a video (that is not related to Orkut) that I discovered while surfing across YouTube. Enjoy!

Video: Orkut API's Are Here! Now, Who Will Build The Best App?

Google has opened the doors to its rumored Orkut API's a lot sooner than what everybody thought.

Developers can now create custom apps that will work on not only Orkut, but a host of other social networks (including MySpace and Bebo which have recently joined).

(Official Orkut Blog) The orkut team continually tries to build new features based on your feedback -- features that help you better express yourself and communicate with friends. But no matter how hard we work, we can't build features fast enough for you. So to bring you as many new features as possible, today we're announcing that third-party developers will be able to build additional social experiences right into orkut. While we will be sure to maintain security, privacy and ease of use, opening up orkut to developers means that soon you will be able to add dynamic new applications that will make your orkut experience all the better.

Before any of these apps go live, Google is allowing developers to test out the features in a "sand box," for security and functional reasons, in order to make the experience enjoyable for everyone. Developers who are eager enough can sign up over here.

Google has also released a video (which is an hour long!) with even more details, but unless you are a hard core geek you may not find it to be very interesting.





Google has also started an OpenSocial Blog, which gives new comers some more info regarding the whole "social stream" affair.

One thing that I will enjoy about the OpenSocial/social stream movement is the fact that we will finally get to see developers from around the world create awesome content, instead of having them primarily located in the US.

Note: With Orkut opening itself up to the world, I wonder who is going to build the best app?

Google Unveils "Social Stream," Open Social Is It's Name-O?

For those of you who are new to the rumored concept, Social Stream was suppose to be a social network where everyone could access everything from one social network.

Here was a video produced by the "social stream" team which goes into more detail about this rumored phenomenon. (Hat Tip: Google Operating System)

It was rumored that Google would launch something like this within Orkut, although I personally had my doubts about it working, mainly because it would only benefit Google, and not everyone else (which would translate into corporate attempts at blocking social stream from being used).

Now it looks as if the long awaited Google API's will not only turn Orkut into "a social stream," but potentially every other social network on line as well.

(TechCrunch) The new project, called OpenSocial (URL will go live on Thursday), goes well beyond what we've previously reported. It is a set of common APIs that application developers can use to create applications that work on any social networks (called "hosts") that choose to participate. [...] OpenSocial is a set of three common APIs, defined by Google with input from partners, that allow developers to access core functions and information at social networks:

• Profile Information (user data)


• Friends Information (social graph)


• Activities (things that happen, News Feed type stuff)

Hosts agree to accept the API calls and return appropriate data. Google won’t try to provide universal API coverage for special use cases, instead focusing on the most common uses. Specialized functions/data can be accessed from the hosts directly via their own APIs.

Social networks participating in this are Orkut (of course), LinkedIn, Salesforce, Plaxo, Friendster, Ning (which allows people to create their own social networks), Hi5, Viadeo (which is like and expanded version of LinkedIn) and Oracle (the last one is a bit of a puzzle to me).

MySpace and Facebook will probably not join the party any time soon (for obvious reasons), although this move by Google will definitely help out developers, many who were whining about having to learn a new code for every social network under the sun.

This should also help bring about much needed diversity within each social network empire, although I can hardly wait to see how this affects Orkut overall.

Update (11/1): Just to clarify (and eliminate confusion), the GrandCentral invites are open to US users, mainly due to the fact that GrandCentral only has US numbers available.

Hopefully they will consider India, Japan, Brazil, ect., in the future, as many users there would probably find the features to be very useful.

Google Adds Video Playlist To Orkut

Google has recently added a new feature inside Orkut allowing users to highlight their favorite video's on YouTube and Google Video, a request IMHO has been long overdue.

(Official Google Blog) From now on, when you see that crazy video you feel is a must see for all your friends, now you can create your own video playlist on orkut to share with anyone who visits your profile. Just copy the video URL from your favorite YouTube or Google Video hosted videos, and your friends can enjoy watching your top videos through orkut. And because we know your friends will love your videos as much as you do, we've added an "Add to my favorites" button that lets you easily make your friend's favorite videos appear on your list.

To simply add a video to your playlist, simply click on "videos" link in your profile (as seen above) and then find the video you want to insert and paste it into the open field.



Click the "add" button and soon your video should appear.



Unfortunately you can not add any other video provider outside of Google Video or YouTube as you get a "Please enter a valid Google Video or YouTube url" error.

Hopefully the Orkut team will take a hint from Google Reader and open up the field to other sites as well.

Note: It looks like I'm going to be busy linking my favorite video's to my profile. If anyone else has any crazy video's let me know as I am a semi-huge YouTube fan.

Video Highlight: BIRUKU

One of the cool things I enjoy (that I probably should post more often) while surfing Orkut is that you get to see a lot of unique armature film directors sharing stories via camera.

Over in the Independent Film-makers forum, Gowtham has posted his debuted film and is already receiving some (mostly) constructive comments for his short movie (which you can watch below or on Google Video).

Although I've heard this story before (a long time ago) this is the first time that I've seen it in video format. The film is fairly long (over seven minuets) so you may want to watch this on your lunch break or after work.

Despite the screen being blurry (which is either do to Google Video's format or the camera used in the shooting) the overall message is pretty good, although I won't spoil the ending for those of you who have never heard of this story before.

Improvements to this movie are best summed up by Parvati:

[...] the concept was really gud..maybe u shud work on it again and let the boy's frustration show through a couple of more sequences...also concentrate a bit more on ur camera work..for me personally the transition shot when amar gets a call didn't work...the sound quality is another arena u should pay attention to..but over all a gud fantastic first project- keep up the gud work!!!

Great film Gowtham, and thanks for entertaining all of us (or at least me anyways).

Note: Does anybody know of any other great forums (not filled with spam) where users discuss their film projects?

Watch YouTube On Orkut

Eduardo [ NewZeek ] over in the Orkut Scripts forum has pointed users towards a useful GreaseMonkey hack that allows you to watch YouTube video's on Orkut (something Google should give users the option to enable).

Unfortunately this only works for YouTube video's, although I will ask him to see if he can develop one for Google Video (as the previous Orkut changes have knocked out the video viewing hacks).

You will first need to install Firefox and GreaseMoneky in order to use this hack (sorry IE fans) after which you can download the YouTube script over here.

Note: Will add to sidebar underneath Useful Orkut Tools.

Update: Fixed code author's name, and apparently he has a version for IE users (lets all celebrate!) so I'll see if I can locate it and post it here for fans of Bill Gates.

Also, an anonymous tipster has alerted everyone that Google will be adding this feature within Orkut soon.

Google will add YouTube and Google Video to Orkut soon. I saw this when i was taking part of Google in Your Language. Translations had many hints about that.

Thank you friend!

World AIDS Day (Orkut Style)

Today many of you may have noticed the (RED)^TM word underneath your Google search bar.

Well, if you click on the link you will get a little preview from Bono explaining that today is World AIDS Day with some instructions on how you can help. (via YouTube)

Orkut users are already getting involved in the effort (some have been for a while) and here is a brief summary of what is happening within the English speaking forums.

• Over in the AIDS (HAPPY WORLD AIDS DAY) community, members are helping out Vickey on a project she is doing on the virus, giving her tips and info to make her presentation better.


• In the Red Ribbon -Fight Against AIDS forum, Parul has started a questions and answers thread, where users can post question such as how long can hiv survive in the air, and where did the [first] person who was HIV positive get it from?
  
  Also within the same community, Luv... reminds everyone that HIV infected people should not be kicked out of society but rather cared for.


• Putting my study in the fight against HIV/AIDS forum asks an interesting question by wondering if HIV can spread thru articles used inn Barber's shop (as in scissors or other tools that barber's use).
  
  The answer seems very reassuring.


• In the Heed-HIV community, Alicja points members towards this video in which a reporter interviews a person who received AIDS through no fault of her own.


• Last but not least, if any users have questions or concerns regarding HIV/AIDS you can visit the HIV/AIDS Professionals community where self-professed experts can advise you on what to if you have run into any "unhappy situations" (and it looks like they have already calmed down one person's fears).

You can find out on more ways to help by visiting the Join RED Blog or by visiting the main site for more details.

Update: I know I'm a little late in the game, but the Official Google Blog is also mentioning the (RED)^TM campaign.

Also, Blogger Buzz has a cool button you can add to your weblog in order to show your support. I would highly recommend adding it (which is great if you are unable to Buy Red due to Christmas shopping).

Remembering September 11th

It's been five years since the attacks on September 11^th, and members of the September 11th "9/11" post their thoughts of where they were when they heard that the planes hit the towers.

Fahed: i was studying preparing for my mid term exams when a 5 year old kid from second floor of my apartment came to my door and said why dont u watch TV. A plane got Stuck in a building and they are trying to remove it..
i was like...how can a plane get stuck..i switched on my TV apparently to find one more plane hitting the WTCs that was terrible and SAD

Osama sucks. and yes m muslim

Gaurav: I was celebrating my B'day with my frenz here in India and it was late in the evening here wen suddenly i saw this news on TV channels which shocked me & i cut short my B'day party & celebrations & got hooked on to the news for 1 whole day....My condolences to all those who died in those terror attacks that day.

Candy: I was awakened by a phone call from work. I was told to turn on the TV. As I did, I saw a plane hit the World Trade Center. There was speculation that it was a small aircraft at the time. The footage I saw was a big plane.

I showered and sped to work. I work for United Airlines. We didn't have a TV at work, which was probably a bad idea! I never saw what the World saw. I only heard via word of mouth. I only saw the events unfold some 12 hours later.

Perhaps, this is why I can't seem to watch it on TV now.

Many Americans will be reflecting on what happened during that day, and where they were when they heard the news that the US was attacked. I, ironically first doubted the news, having visited New York many, many times throughout my childhood.

After friends pointed towards video being played on the news of the buildings crashing down, I was pretty much shocked by what I saw (as it is hard to imagine NY without those buildings).

The Google Video Blog has highlighted a video commemorating the event, which you can view over at the Google Video site.

Orkut Users Pay Tribute To Steve Irwin

On a personal note, I am rather saddened by the passing of this great legend. I am still coming to grips that I will no longer see new episodes of him, as he was one of the few people who made animals cool again aside from Jurassic Park (except in this case the animals were real).

Steve you will be missed greatly.

Members of Orkut have been expressing their condolences to Steve and his family, and here is what some of them had to say:

(From the Steve Irwin~The Real Hero forum)

Sujith: miss u man it is sad to hear we have lost great person like MR STEAVE IRWIN.it is huge loss to animal world. it is very difficult to find such humble and brave person like him. may his sole rest in peace.

Catherine: I am SOOOOOOOOOOO going to miss him :(

Thank you for making all of us aware and much more aware of nature and her animals. Thank you for being there and for supporting our planet.

(Over in the Steve Irwin RULES!!! forum)

Vastavika: steve was my one and only idol.. i actually started loving wildlife because of him..my favourite animals are crocs and snakes.. i've always watched him on tv and dreamed of meeting him next yr.. coz im planning to visit australia.. but i now i will just pay a visit to his grave.. may his soul rest in peace.. love u always mate!

Sandeep (on page two): He was Gr8, My Role Model.... Dont knw what to say... Im Crying.... Really missed him... I LOVED HIM AND STILL I LOVE HIM, There is no one on earth can stand upto him... He really was a HERO and 'IS ' a HERO........ STEVE i REALLY MISS U

Over in the Tributes for steve irwin forum, J. Mandy has started a game where everyone says one word in remembrance of Steve. And members of the Croc hunter Steve Irwin community remind each other that Steve will always live on forever in their hearts.

The Google Video Blog has setup a special tribute to the world's greatest conversationalist, which you can watch below.





Also, Wildlife Warriors is looking for donations to help continue the legacy of Steve and help preserve our environment.

Steve, you were one of a kind, and you will be missed. :-(

Video Highlights: Buddha Never Smiled

Rejeeb (over in the Short films forum) has just informed the Orkut world of their launch of a 30 minute movie entitled "Buddha Never Smiled."

Here is the preview video with its description below.

(Brief Summary) Its the story of soldiers who is guarding your country and my country... Who still doesent know what he is guarding for. And why. And he is there not to fight for his country, but for his own life.

Note: You may have heard of the phrase "Buddha smiled" which is in reference to when India became a nuclear power.

Looks pretty good. Hopefully Rejeeb will provide more details when the film launches.

PS: Don't forget to visit their site at BuddhaNeverSmiled.com

Video Highlight: Centre Calls (By Yogesh)

(Note: The "Orkut Must Have Hacks" will be posted later on as Blogger was previously down for me earlier)

Yogesh (over in the Short Films forum) has uploaded a short flick on Google Video.

The title of the film is Centre Calls and details the tragedy of an Indian girl seeking freedom in her life. Here is a brief description of the video below.

A conservative, reserved girl joins the Call Centre to monetarily support her parents and studies. But when she gets exposed to the environment of the Call centre, gets the taste of freedom and easy money there happens a major change in her.

The story follows a simple plot and is roughly 19 minutes long. For those of you at work, this may not be the best place to view it as images of people drinking as well as doing drugs are fairly common throughout this film. You can watch the movie for yourself below, or simply visit this movie on Google Video.

Happy Friday (And Funny Orkut commercial)

Well, its that time again! And I have some great news! Unfortunately I won't have time to post it over the weekend, but I will update everybody when Monday comes around!

Anyways, in order to humor everyone while I'm gone, here is a funny Orkut Commercial that I previously mentioned before. Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day (Google Style)

Happy Mother's Day to all of the current and future Mothers out there! I am thankful that they exist, because without their intervention (with a little help from Dad) I would not be here. ;)

In the I love My Mother forum, users are celebrating their mothers in three words while in another discussion members are wishing their mommy's a happy Mother's Day. And it even appears Google is celebrating...to a degree. (Hat Tip: Google Operating System).

Note: Although not Orkut related, here is a Google Video of two brothers displaying their..."appreciation" of Mother's day.

Update: Forgot to credit Google Video of the Day for this find...

A Muslim For A Month

In the Muslim Christian friendship forum, Ali shares with everyone an interesting video that he has discovered on Google Video.

(Warning: For my Muslim friends, a cartoon of Muhammad is shown, so please no scrap hating)

The video sparks some interesting discussion.

David is unhappy with the video as they selected a Christian who seems to enjoy alcohol too much (although his pork comments were very funny).

John also seemed to enjoy the video and suggests Muslims should allow women to date non-muslim men, something Ali doubts would be practical due to "family tension."

Ali however would like to see more exchanges of faith take place and has this to say:

I too believe that there is much ground needed to be made on both sides of fence in the mutual understanding game. I, for one, would be very curious to know what kinds of responses would be received when random Muslim citizens are asked what their first thought is when hearing the term "Christian", for example.

I concur. More of this is needed and I would be interested in doing something like this (perhaps even switching places with a Muslim for a month).

The video is approximately 45 minutes long so you may not want to view this unless you are at home or on a very long coffee break.

Update: Centered Video.

Relaunch Of Inside Orkut!

Yeah, I know I'm obsessive, but I finally have a professional looking weblog!

I deleted the dinky cartoon icons, and substituted a linked photo collage instead (I'll have to thank Picasa for helping me with that).

I hope Google doesn't mind that I dropped the "unofficial" from the title, although I did mention it on the sidebar in the "minor details" section near the top.

In order to celebrate, here is a video I found on Google Video that I thought was funny. Check it out!

I thought it was pretty funny (and hopefully the Orkut team thinks so as well) although a translator would be nice. Peace!