Ubiquity (for Firefox)

Mr_Mumble

With search, users type what they want to find. With Ubiquity, they type what they want to do.

Ubiquity is an experiment in connecting the Web with language. The problem with the Web is that services and locations and data are disconnected. You want to send a link to a map, translate a Web page, convert things to PDF, add a review for a restaurant—all of these things you want to do right now, but you have to trundle around the Web to do it. Ubiquity is instant access to services through language.

Introducing Ubiquity (including installation link)
Video Introduction to Ubiquity (watch this if you're confused!)
Ubiquity User Tutorial

Build your own mashups with Mozilla’s Ubiquity
...
For science fiction fans, you can even think of Ubiquity as the online equivalent of Ubik, the miracle product in Philip K. !!!!!!’s novel of the same name, which could do anything you wanted. For example, if you’re reading a review of a restaurant that you’re interested in, you can just highlight the restaurant’s address, then with just a click bring up a Google Map of the location in a small window on the page.

http://venturebeat.com/2008/08/26/build-your-own-widgets-with-mozillas-ubiquity/

Ubiquity is currently only a working prototype, hence version 0.1. I haven't had any system or browser problems using it but user beware!

The default command-list is currently very Americanised so eBay and Amazon will take you to the American sites while you have to be more specific with the map (Google) and weather (weather underground) functions. If nothing else the prototype will speed up usage of google mail, google calendar and twitter.

John_Gray

I'd have been more keen on following your links if you had given some idea of what Ubiquity actually does...!

Mr_Mumble

Sorry John, I've expanded on the OP now. The video introduction is the best way to get an idea of how the plug-in works.

John_Gray

Thanks, that's much more encouraging!