Mozilla Ubiquity – Useful and fun

So i’ve been checking out Ubiquity and playing with it a bit. Even in its “early, rough” state, it is fun stuff to play with and definitely useful!

I even had the time (about 2 min cause I just copied one of their commands) to create a custom command for is.gd the shorter URL service.

CmdUtils.CreateCommand({
name: "isgd",
takes: {"url to shorten": noun_arb_text},
preview: "Replaces the selected URL with an is.gd URL.",
execute: function( url )
{
var baseUrl = "http://is.gd/api.php";
var params = {longurl: url.text};
jQuery.get( baseUrl, params, function( isgdUrl )
{
CmdUtils.setSelection( isgdUrl );
})
}
})

To add this command jsut open up Ubiquity (opt/ctrl+Space) and type command-editor, then hit enter. Add the code (it automatically saves as you type). Then your good to go.

To use the new command, have some text selected in a new email or blog post, open Ubiquity type isgd, then the url, hit enter and the text that was selected will be replaced with the shortened URL.

Shortening a URL with is.gd and Ubiquity

Of course there are plenty of other ways you can use/play with Ubiquity.

Ubiquity’s Intro: http://is.gd/1Wns

Custom Commands: http://is.gd/1Ydc

That’s right, I even used Ubiquity to create the links above.

About John Crosby

A former professional foodie turned keyboard-jockey in favor of a keyboard, cushy chair and cooler working conditions. I now work at Realeyes Media. I am a Partner and Senior Developer and the office Kuroko: In kabuki, the kuroko serve many of the same purposes as running crew. They move scenery and props on stage, aiding in scene changes and costume changes. They will also often play the role of animals, will-o-the-wisps, or other roles which are played not by an actor in full costume, but by holding a prop. Kuroko wear all black, head to toe, in order to imply that they are invisible and not part of the action onstage.

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