Online messaging service Meebo has unveiled the Meebo Platform, a way for outside developers to build applications that integrate with the Meebo desktop. Like the Facebook Platform, Meebo's platform consists of a set of APIs that developers can leverage to create widgets which Meebo users can add to their pages, but as with Facebook, the platform isn't exactly open.
Meebo has decided to keep its platform somewhat sandboxed; for now the offerings are limited to communication applications from Pudding Media, TalkShoe, TokBox and Ustream.TV, which together add features like VoIP, video chat, conference calls and "lifecasting" tools to your Meebo account.
Plans call for additional third-party applications in the near future, including single and multi-player games, office applications, shopping and more. But outside developers will need to build their applications in the sandbox and get them approved by Meebo before they become available to users.
The Meebo Platform will feature ads rolled into the applications with revenue being divided evenly between Meebo and the application developers.
While this news is primarily of interest to developers, Meebo users can take comfort in the fact that, with today's platform announcement following closely on the heals of the Firefox add-on, at least Meebo isn't resting on its laurels.
See Also:
