Web-browser specialist Opera has today unveiled Opera Unite, a new technology that it claims will "shake up the old client-server computing model of the Web".
Opera Unite, now available to download in alpha form, promises to turn any device running Opera into a web server - allowing everyday users to share content with one another with ease.
With Opera Unite installed, a user can log in with an Opera ID and choose from a number of Services that provide functionality such as File Sharing and Media Player, both of which provide access to files and music on your computer from any browser, anywhere.
Calling out developers, Opera adds that its Unite Services are built using open standards including HTML, CSS and JavaScript, making it easy for developers to create new services for the Opera Unite environment.
To demonstrate the usefulness of the technology, Opera currently provides the following Services as a showcase of what Unite can do:
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File Sharing
Securely share a file from your personal computer without waiting to upload it. First select the folder from which you would like to share files. Opera Unite then generates a direct URL to that folder. By giving that link to your friends, you can share files without routing through a third-party Web service. -
Web Server
Run entire Web sites from your local computer with the Opera Unite Web Server. After selecting the folder containing your Web site, you can share and host it from the given Opera Unite URL. Opera Unite will automatically recognise index files and create the Web site as you designed it. -
Media Player
Rock out wherever you are by accessing your MP3s and playlists from any machine. After selecting the folder containing your playlist, use the Opera Unite direct link to play your tracks directly in any modern Web browser. -
Photo Sharing
Share your photos direct from your PC, without uploading them online. Once you select your photo folder, the photo-sharing service will create a thumbnail image gallery of your photos. Clicking the thumbnail will present the photo in its original resolution. -
The Lounge
The Lounge is a self-contained chat service running on your computer. Your friends can access the chat room via the direct link, which will not require them to sign into any service. Depending on your privacy settings, you need only provide the generated password to your service in order for people to log in to your chatroom. -
Fridge
Post a note on your friends’ virtual refrigerators. By sharing the direct link to your refrigerator, you and your friends, family or colleagues can exchange notes securely and privately in real time.
Now a web server running on home PCs isn't anything new, but Opera's implementation appears to be mighty impressive, and easy enough for just about anyone to use. There are certain to be security concerns, but Unite as a technology certainly has potential.
Check out an Opera-provided ad clip below, and if you've opted to put Unite through its paces, we'd love to hear your thoughts and impressions in the HEXUS.community forums.
