Jolicloud: now for the social networking netbook OS

Jolicloud's new 'social' Linux variant is preparing to enter the highly competitive market of operating systems vying for the growing masses of netbook users.

Jolicloud allows users to install web-based applications and run them from the desktop, 'turning your netbook into a social netbook'. Applications like Skype, Boxee, Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, and Gmail are perfectly suited thanks to effective use of Mozilla's Prism. Jolicloud currently runs Firefox with Google Gears as default, and supports Adobe Flash and AIR.



Several other operating systems have attempted to integrate cloud computing to entice netbook users. gOS includes a number of Google applications, and is currently shipping in Australia with the Kogan Agora netbook. The Jolicloud team is taking it one logical step further with the focus on social networking.

The alpha release, heavily based on Ubuntu Netbook Remix, is due to be released sometime in June. In the leadup to its availability, the team have recorded a video running through the features of the hotly anticipated release.



Jolicloud appear to have a clean interface, with powerful integration of social networking tools. It could prove to be a real time saver, particularly for the increasing horde of Twitter junkies. Most importantly, it remains neat, simple, and still looks very good.

According to Jolicloud's own Twitter feed, they have been testing it vigorously on a number of netbooks. So far, they have confirmed models from Dell, MSI, Samsung, Lenovo, HP, Acer, and Asus work with the operating system.

At the very least Jolicloud is making innovative steps in the increasingly crowded netbook OS market. How the consumer Linux market plays out over the coming months and years will be very interesting, thanks to ongoing innovation and the rapid growth in uptake of netbooks. This is something to watch, particularly if Google's Android joins in the fun.

You can see a bunch of screenshots of Jolicloud on Flickr -- it certainly is a slickly designed OS.

Vuki wrote this by correspondence from a campervan using very flaky McDonalds Wi-Fi somewhere on the west coast of Sweden, where he is currently holidaying. Thanks Vuki!