In an earlier post I highlighted 10 interesting Ajax applications (plus a few honorable mentions). Since then, I’ve come across many other individuals or teams who are all creating a new generation of interactive, highly functional, web-based applications. Unfortunately, some are still in stealth and, as such, I can’t write about them (I may later, though, so check back). Either way, here’s another batch of Ajax gems that are worth checking out.
Twelve this time, in alphabetical order:
- Calendar: CalendarHub (via Scott). Create fully searchable, private or shared calendars. Includes group sharing, subscriptions, drag and drop GUI, RSS feeds, and web API.
- Dictionary/Thesaurus: ObjectGraph Dictionary (via Jerry). Just what it sounds like…
- Email: Zimbra (via KevinH). Complete application for e-mail, calendar, contacts and other communications technologies.
- Email (2): Goowy. Flash based (no Ajax), but so elegant that I included it anyway.
- Example code/widgets: The MidnightCoders (via MP). Variety of examples implemented in Ajax and Flash, including server invocation, database integration, and Google search.
- Flickr Viewer: Lightweight Flickr Viewer (via Mike). See your Flickr photos with a different interface.
- Games: Boggle (via Logan). Free and fun.
- Games (2): Babble (via Jamie Tibbetts). Like Boggle but a little different.
- Instant Messenger: Meebo Multi-client IM. Very nicely done—maybe I can get rid of Trillian?
- Instant Messenger (2): Treehouse Chat (via Treehouse Cityguide). Nice Ajax chat. Less practical than Meebo as it doesn’t connect to existing IM servers, though.
- To do list: TuDu (via Julien Dubois). Includes RSS feeds and complete source code.
- Spell Checker: Garrison Locke (via Paul). Built by Garrison Locke. Very nicely done. Includes link to source code.
Please feel free to post other ideas in the comments section.
Next week: what’s wrong with Ajax, and what’s needed to fix it.
Update (9/17/05)–Two late breaking additions:
- Code Examples: script.aculo.us. Ruby on Rails examples of auto-complete, shopping cart, sorting function, and more.
- Home Page: Netvibes. Very nice, fully customizable home page.