We’ve got to look at the forces around the world sometimes. Google was primarily built on Python code. They happen to acquire the guy who started Python, Guido van Rossum, and now a very important project of Google, Google App Engine, is allowing people to build web apps using Python.

I used Python for a couple of projects myself and I agree, it’s a wonderful language. The semantic and the design of it make it really enjoyable to write from scratch, manage and expand from. It is however not as spread as PHP when it comes to web.

The fact that Google has chosen Python from the start and publishes a beta of such an important project (App Engine) using Python is a very interesting turn of events. The primary position of Google and its strategic position for the future of web developers (think google code) is going to be a huge boost for Python as a web development language.

Seeing the speed at which google sets up their own WIFI network around the world and their dominating position on the web (regardless of their not being evil motto), this is clearly making a statement.

Before it was: “we trust Python to be the answer to our problems”,
now it is: “we trust Python to be the new universal answer to your problems”.

I understand that Google App Engine will eventually support a multitude of languages but the launch of a beta with only Python available demonstrates their will to push Python as the new reference for web development. See more here. When you throw a long awaited beta to a gezillion thirsty nerds, it will push them to use Python and sets the momentum in a clear direction.

Is this the push Python needed to make it compete with PHP when it comes to web application development?

Is this a change in history, Google telling us what to use?

Check out the Automatic screen cleaner. Awesome app.

To be able to focus on other projects, Adobe has announced that it will discontinue its stock photo service (on April 1st).

The fact that sites such as istockphoto are so cheap makes it a very difficult market to compete into. Better spend the dollars in others area of expertise. Maybe a new IDE* for Flash?

More information here.

*: One can dream, yeah?

You want to reduce cost and staff? You want to fire those lazy developers? You want to do it all on your own and turn your idea into millions? Iceberg on demand is for you!

It’s this time of the year when we get, yet another amazing application, to build other applications (made for dummies). Is this a framework? No silly, you don’t even have to code!

It is quite unclear what they are selling, and it is quite unclear what you can make out of it. They surely make it sound like everything is possible though.

The link to the “KillerStartups” review of their product is a missing page… that’s never a good sign.

Also don’t look at their website source, you might get a heart attack.

In the Applications tabs, the first in the list is a Human Resources application: Manage all aspects of your hiring and firing using this application.

Wow, so cool. Does it include an email confirmation “YOU ARE FIRED” too?

Pros

• You don’t need a developer
• You don’t need any coding skills

Cons

• You get ripped off
• You get nowhere
• You understand you do need a developer

The last con might actually be a pro. My bad.

One thing is sure: like every iceberg, they will be melting soon, revealing clear water.

Ok so for whoever is interested, shout an email to nicolas, (at) noben, (dot) org.

Update: yes, there is plenty more to go!

Pligg is a free open-source content management system that outputs sites just like Digg.

I am not sure if they should be taken seriously considering the big typo in their description on the home page. That said, their product seems to work quite well (besides a few interfaces glitches such as saying ‘OK’ in bright red).

Have a look for yourself and test it out. Now, all you need is 10000 visitors to start with.

It appears that Google Analytics is currently down. The nature of the message seems to indicate that they didn’t quite plan it.

The home of analytics behave fine, it occurs right after login.

Why it is broken stays a mystery. Obviously it wouldn’t be as simple as a folder missing, considering their system clustering and such.

It has been about 15 mins now… Hopefully they come back up soon!

Update: nearly an hour now… still nothing!

Update: about one hour and a half, we are back on. wow.

In the fast changing world of the internet, it’s important to keep track of what’s going on.

Here are the 5 apps that really got my attention recently.

Pownce - Share everything

Not only Pownce includes Digg’s master Kevin Rose, but it’s also a very promising app.

The basic idea behind Pownce is sharing, everything. At this stage you can send messages, links, files such as photos and events.

It’s currently under a slow expanding public beta (invite only).

Picnik - Powerful photo editing online

Picnik is not the usual Flex app. It runs a kick-ass set of features for images editing and it looks gorgeous.

Saffron - Beautiful UML Modeler

There has been a lot of buzz around Saffron. Pretty much any blog about Adobe AIR has featured it, yet it’s not even alpha! I think the screen grabs just look amazing and people are dying for a proper (free?) UML editor.

We keep in touch with Saffron and we hope for a public alpha, soon.

Warehouse - Comprehensive subversion browser

Their tag-line says it well: “Finally, A Web-based subversion browser that doesn’t suck.”

Warehouse supports multiple repository access, makes easy to manage users and brings the convenience of browser bookmarks to subversion. A bliss for regular or amateur subversion users.

Aviary - Take the artists online

Aviary is working on a set of applications that will bring “people who create” online. All types of artists will have access to creative tools, online.

The amusing part is that it’s with Adobe products that Aviary plans on reducing Adobe’s user list!

Keep in touch, subscribe to our RSS feed for fresh news and in-depth reviews!

Trippert.com. Who needs another travel shared blog?

The problem with these projects is that they all end up in some sort of me me me, how awesome was this place - post. There is nothing social in bragging about a place…

What does it really bring to people to share with others their experience of travel? Yet another one so happy about Thailand, and about a thousand others just licking their screen going “Sigh, I want to be there”.

Does this sort of business model has a long term view?

The second problem I see is the fact that they mostly end up as a repository of photos. They don’t give spicy details on how dodgy the waiter was, how hot the lifeguard was or how stinky hot the room was.

Is there really something social in travel photos? Do people truly describe the places, or is it just a mere I WAS HERE. What they really need is interviewing those people when they get back. The problem is, once they get back, there is not much point bragging about any place anymore.

Yet another Flickr with a big travel tag on the front.