Install and Use Web Apps on Ubuntu - A Comprehensive Guide
Ubuntu 12.10: Introducing the New Web App Feature
The forthcoming Ubuntu 12.10 release incorporates a novel web app feature, delivered as a standard component. This functionality allows users to view unread email directly within the messaging menu.
Furthermore, control of music playback originating from websites can now be managed through the system's sound menu. This enhancement provides a more integrated user experience.
Web Apps as First-Class Citizens
This new feature elevates web applications to the same status as native applications within the Ubuntu Unity desktop environment. Web apps are now treated as integral parts of the operating system.
The initial preview release offers support for a diverse range of over 30 websites.
Supported Websites
- Gmail: Access and monitor your email.
- Twitter: Stay updated with your timeline.
- Reddit: Browse and engage with communities.
- Facebook: Connect with friends and family.
- Google Docs: Create and edit documents.
- Google Calendar: Manage your schedule.
- Angry Birds: Enjoy casual gaming.
These are just a few examples of the websites currently supported by the Ubuntu 12.10 web app feature. The list is expected to expand over time.
By integrating these web services more closely, Ubuntu aims to provide a seamless and efficient computing experience for its users.
Ubuntu 12.04: Web Apps Integration Installation
The installation of the Web Apps integration feature on Ubuntu 12.04 is accomplished through a series of terminal commands. Begin by opening a terminal window to proceed.
The following commands must be executed sequentially to successfully install the feature:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webapps/preview
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install unity-webapps-preview
Enabling the Feature
After the installation process is complete, a system log-out and subsequent log-in are required. This action activates the Web Apps integration within the Ubuntu Unity desktop environment.
The log-out/log-in step ensures that the necessary components are properly initialized and the feature becomes fully functional.
Unity-webapps-preview provides a streamlined experience for utilizing web applications as if they were native desktop programs.
Leveraging Web App Integration
Currently, the functionality for integrating web apps is supported exclusively by the Chromium and Mozilla Firefox web browsers. Upon installation of the necessary feature, navigating to a compatible website within either of these browsers will trigger an integration request.
Confirmation of this request results in the web app becoming integrated into your Ubuntu desktop environment. Each integrated web app will then be accessible through the Dash, allowing for easy searching and launching, mirroring the experience of native desktop applications.
Certain web applications will integrate with the messaging menu, providing visual indicators for unread content such as emails, tweets, or other notifications.
Websites dedicated to music streaming, like Grooveshark and Pandora, will be displayed within the sound menu. This allows for convenient control of playback without the need to switch back to a browser window.
Notifications are also supported by web apps. For instance, the BBC news web app can deliver updated news directly to your desktop via desktop notifications.
Furthermore, web apps are seamlessly integrated with Ubuntu’s HUD. Activation and searching of menu items can be achieved quickly by pressing Alt and beginning to type, functioning identically to traditional desktop applications.
Currently Supported Platforms
Below is a comprehensive listing of websites that are presently supported. Accessing any of these platforms will display an integration request.
Email Services
- Gmail is fully supported.
- Yahoo! Mail integration is available.
- Hotmail, also known as Windows Live Mail, is compatible.
- Yandex Mail users can utilize the integration.
- QQ Mail is included in the supported services.
- Mail.ru offers seamless integration.
Social Media Networks
- Twitter is among the supported social platforms.
- Facebook integration is readily available.
- Google+ is currently supported.
- LinkedIn users can connect with the integration.
- Tumblr is included in the list of compatible networks.
- VK offers full integration capabilities.
Streaming Media
- Groovershark is a supported music platform.
- Pandora integration is now possible.
- Hulu is included in the supported video services.
- YouTube is fully compatible.
- Last.fm offers integration options.
- Libre.fm is supported for music streaming.
- Yandex Music is also supported.
Gaming Platforms
- Angry Birds (via chrome.angrybirds.com) is supported.
- Cut the Rope is compatible with the integration.
- Lord of Ultima offers integration features.
- Command and Conquer: Tiberium Alliances is included.
News Aggregators & Sources
- Reddit is a supported news platform.
- Google Reader integration is available.
- BBC News is fully compatible.
- CNN News is included in the supported sources.
- Google News offers integration options.
- Yahoo! News is supported for news access.
- Yandex News is also supported.
Productivity & Other Services
- Google Docs is fully supported.
- Google Calendar integration is available.
- Amazon Cloud Reader is compatible.
- Amazon services are supported.
- WordPress.com offers integration features.
- Launchpad is included in the list.
- Subway IRC is also supported.
Acknowledgement is given to OMG! Ubuntu! for their contribution in compiling much of this data, specifically the list of supported websites.