• On TV.com: TOP 10 Shows CANCELED Too Soon
January 17, 2008 3:41 PM PST

Flock adding e-mail and Picasa integration with next update

by Josh Lowensohn

Flock's set to release its first big update since going 1.0 back in November (note: you can download that version here). The new version (1.1) will feature a handful of useful updates to some of the built-in services, along with integration for Web mail and Google's Picasa.

Between the two, I'm most interested in Web mail integration. For folks who aren't using a software e-mail client like Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail, the only other options are to keep a browser tab open and keep an eye on things or use a standalone software notifier or extension to let you check when you've got new messages. Flock's simply built one into the existing controls.

The new mail button links up to your Gmail or Yahoo mail account. Once you've logged in with your credentials, it'll check for new mail every few minutes and let you know when there's a new message by adding an orange spot. When you've got a new e-mail, simply clicking on the mail button will give you a list of your latest messages, complete with subject and sender. Ideally I'd like to more of a graphical indication than a little orange dot, but the functionality works fine once you get used to looking there for updates. I'd also like to see Flock provide a workaround for people who want to have multiple Gmail accounts open on the same browser, which is still limited to either one Yahoo or Gmail account at a time.

Check your mail from your browser, along with the rest of Flock's social-friendly functions.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

The other new and big ticket item is the integration with Picasa. When viewing Picasa Web albums, they'll show up in your media browser. You'll also be able to upload photos through Flock's specialized photo uploader just like you would for Flickr, Photobucket, and others. This certainly isn't groundbreaking, but if you're sick of having another software uploader installed for an online photo sharing service, Flock is slowly cutting away at that need.

Flock is rolling out 1.1 to current Flock users within the next two weeks.

Josh Lowensohn writes for Webware.com, CNET's blog about Web applications and services. E-mail Josh, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Josh.
Recent posts from Webware
Plan your wedding with these Web resources
Twitter, LinkedIn team up for self-promotion free-for-all
'Elf Yourself' returns with Facebook and Twitter power
Sneak peek: Xobni e-mail app for BlackBerry
More time needed for revised Google Books deal
With AdMob, Google seeks mobile-ad advantage
Closing chapter of Google Books saga near
Google to acquire AdMob for $750 million
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
by Muhammad I. January 18, 2008 2:32 PM PST
Cool. I'm using Flock right now, can't wait for the update!
Reply to this comment
by KenEKaplan January 19, 2008 7:52 PM PST
Flock is already super cool. The more you use it the more you want! Glad to see new featuring coming.
Reply to this comment
by mariusica2008 October 20, 2008 12:55 AM PDT
The email integration was a great addition to Flock.
Marius
http://www.dentalhealthsite.com
Reply to this comment
(3 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
advertisement

About Webware

Say No to boxed software! The future of applications is online delivery and access. Software is passé. Webware is the new way to get things done.

Add this feed to your online news reader

Webware topics

After 5 years, Firefox faces new challenges

Mozilla helped reshape the Web since releasing Firefox 1.0 five years ago. Now it's got a reawakened Microsoft and Google Chrome to reckon with.

There's a map for that: GPS or smartphone?

Almost every handset comes with mapping software these days, but standalone GPS devices are becoming more affordable than ever.

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right