GO Web Store

GO Web Store is a dedicated platform for Liquid Galaxy applications, including Google Earth and Chromium-based apps, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), and data visualization projects. These apps have been developed over time, many as part of the Google Summer of Code initiative.

Note

Why "GO"?: The name "GO" reflects our focus on Google Earth as a foundational aspect of our work, emphasizing the Google Open Source community and its contributions. The liquid galaxy is a cluster panoramic visualization of the Google Earth.

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Features

🌍 A Platform for Liquid Galaxy Applications

• A collection of apps and PWAs built by the Liquid Galaxy community.
• Showcases data visualization projects for Google Earth, Maps, and Street View.

🔗 Data Repository

All app metadata and assets are sourced from our dedicated Data Repository.

🌐 Deployment

The web store is deployed at: store.liquidgalaxy.eu.
It supports use as a Progressive Web App (PWA), progressively enhanced with modern web APIs.

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USE CASES

🏷️ Use Case of the Badging API

GO Web Store leverages the Badging API to provide a more native app experience, inspired by Project Fugu.
The Badging API enables dynamic badge updates directly within the PWA, enhancing user interaction during file downloads.

Why the Badging API?

Traditional download experiences rely on OS-level download bars or browser-specific badges (as shown below):

1. Usual Download
   
   Description: A Chrome badge shows download counts.

2. What You Don’t Get with OS level Percentages
   
   Description: The default system download bar is displayed but lacks in-app progress details.

Enhanced Experience with GO Web Store

By integrating the Fetch API, GO Web Store transforms the download experience:

• In-app Percentage Experience
  
  Description: Progress bars are displayed directly within the app, creating a seamless download experience.

• Native-like Badging Experience
  
  Description: The PWA shows a badge indicating there's any active downloads happening, resembling native app behavior.

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Expanding Compatibility

Currently, the Badging API is supported on MacOS and Windows via Chrome, and in Safari.
Our goal is to:

• Extend support to Linux for Chromium.
• Advocate for adoption by other browser engines, such as Firefox (Gecko).

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Inspiration and Motivation

This project is inspired by Thomas Steiner, a Google DevRel, and Project Fugu's mission to push real-world use cases for APIs. The focus on enhancing the user experience aligns with Liquid Galaxy's vision to create impactful, accessible apps for diverse communities.

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About the Video Demos

1. Short Demo
   

2. PWA Demo Video
   

These demonstrate the enhanced download experience within the GO Web Store PWA.

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Other use Cases for Badging API

The Badging API allows web applications to display small status indicators (badges) on app icons, primarily in the operating system's taskbar, dock, or home screen. Below are various use cases:

1. Unread Notifications or Messages

• Chat Apps: Display the count of unread messages (e.g., "3 new messages").
• Email Clients: Indicate unread emails or notifications.
• Social Media Platforms: Notify users about new likes, comments, or friend requests.

2. Task Progress

• Download Managers: Show progress of file downloads.
• Video Editing or Processing Tools: Indicate task completion percentages.
• Backup Apps: Display backup progress or sync status.

3. Reminders and Alerts

• To-Do List Apps: Notify users of due or overdue tasks.
• Calendar Apps: Highlight upcoming events or meetings.
• Fitness Apps: Remind users of pending goals (e.g., "Steps left: 500").

Contributing

Contributions to the GO Web Store and its underlying technology are welcome! To contribute:

1. Clone the repository.
2. Follow the Data Repository guidelines for app submissions.
3. Open a pull request with your changes.

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Acknowledgments

Special thanks to the Liquid Galaxy community, Google Summer of Code contributors, and the Chrome team for their innovations and support.