Thursday, December 11, 2003

How to build a rich, interactive Webtop for Web 2.0.  The first step is to do everything that is possible with the existing browser (IE primarily) behind the scenes.  What do I mean?  A desktop CMS (content management system) with hooks to open Web 2.0 transport networks would provide the ability to recombine data and content custom ways within an existing browser.  With that in place, the second step is to build a new presentation layer that goes beyond the constraints of a vanilla Internet Explorer (by putting the CMS in place first, it is easier to leverage the capabilities of the enhanced browser).  Here are some ways to do this: Hire a development company like Social DynamX to build a custom interface that leverages Internet Explorer to provide a better user experience.  See FM Radio for an example of an Web Services powered rich client interface built on IE. Build it yourself using a development tool like Zeepe.  FYI, they also have an example built on UserLand Radio called Radio Case. Trash IE entirely and build a customized version of Mozilla. Build a Macromedia Flash MX application that runs inside the browser locally.  Here's a server side example.  Any local examples?  Another method is to build a custom app using Macromedia Central and trash the browser entirely. [John Robb's Weblog]

RoboGrill to displace McDonald's burger-flippers. McDonald's is testing new gear that eliminates human burger-flippers for robotic fridge-to-grill systems. What I don't get is, why doesn't McD's use ATMs to take your order? (Update: they are -- thanks Luke) Later this year, a Chicago-area McDonald’s restaurant will fry up hamburgers with an automated grill that dispenses patties directly onto the griddle from a separate freezer compartment, reducing labor and promising fresher sandwiches. Link Discuss [Boing Boing Blog]