One of the reasons why we made Opera Unite

September 9, 2011 · by Espen André Øverdahl

Readers' comments 46

Left under the original article, as archived.

TamilFriday, September 9, 2011 2:30:30 PM
Andrei Daniel TicleanFriday, September 9, 2011 2:32:10 PM
Unite is a great idea but not used by many of us.
techlawsamFriday, September 9, 2011 2:34:50 PM
@Andrei I use Opera Unite a lot sharing massive files, my computer basically acts like a server at the same time having people stream music and videos from my computer Its the best thing ever!
ZodiusFriday, September 9, 2011 2:37:29 PM
My thoughts on the comic, exactly! Now all that's left is to actually make the Unite catalog more official looking.
Martin KadlecFriday, September 9, 2011 3:09:37 PM
Unite is a good idea, but as dstorey pointed out in his article, there is already too many ways to extend Opera for not so big amount of developers. Also Opera don't have enough people/resources to work on Widget/Extension/Unite APIs at once and make them enough competitive.

Anyway, I was thinking that it might be cool to use Node.JS API instead of current version of Unite API. It would allow developers to use Web Sockets, Node.JS documentation, port apps between Node.SJ and Unite and other cool stuff. Also it might be helpful to join extensions and unites aps together - one manager, one file extension. There might be something like <feature name="opera:unite" required="true"/> in config.xml file.
Mağruf ÇolakoğluFriday, September 9, 2011 3:44:32 PM
OPERATORFriday, September 9, 2011 3:45:08 PM
Unite is avesome but no new apps for a long time...I think must add new features and new apps...I almost forget unite...
Charles SchlossFriday, September 9, 2011 4:10:05 PM
http://files.myopera.com/Tamil/Smilies/BigGrin.gif -

I have streamed my music across campus while I was typing my final a few years ago
d4rkn1ghtFriday, September 9, 2011 4:29:28 PM
I love Unite! I use it everyday to listen to music and share files.

I think Unite needs more promotion, apps, and quicker bug fixes.
Sambhunath TiadiFriday, September 9, 2011 5:48:08 PM
ok
NimeshFriday, September 9, 2011 6:09:24 PM
Unite is great.

But I think there are more options available for file sharing purpose and some other example should have been taken.

Another great thing to share files - new uTorrent feature - drag and drop files to share as torrents
Leonardo AlassiaFriday, September 9, 2011 7:29:12 PM
If I have to share a file I'm sure I will not use unite... but that's because I completely forgot about that amazing feature!
Maybe that's because is very powerful and you can do a lot of thing with it, so it's nothing specific and people forget the real purpose...
the only feature I tried to use was to listen music, but the widget was awful! you cannot play from a random user or see the list of online users...
but I'll try it again!
JimFriday, September 9, 2011 8:12:38 PM
I think you need to give Unite more functionality so that it can integrate with Extensions.

A UserCSS Extension that doesn't use JS would be great, more functionality for the UserJS Unite app, like a toolbar button would be great too.

Perhaps integrating node.js would attract developers to make Opera only apps?
Rafael LuikFriday, September 9, 2011 8:23:58 PM
Unite needs to evolve. You still can only share one folder at time (yes, this simple thing).
Phillip Robert O'ConnerFriday, September 9, 2011 8:31:58 PM
Is That One of the Reasons why we have opera unite.Then We Lucky we have it.
ErikSaturday, September 10, 2011 1:28:54 AM
sadly true, and some doesnt know about file formats either. Maybe Unite should have something like chatroulette lol and lure many people. Share your files and something else...

Maybe people cant think about a browser which can do almost anything ...yet. Promotion about every aspect of Opera should keep going. Lets wait till Opera makes it to every web-tv or whatever comes.
Cutting SpoonSaturday, September 10, 2011 2:21:47 AM
I certainly appreciate the frustration of moving one file between two PCs. Unite really is very easy. Dropbox is a close 2nd, but there are privacy issues and other concerns.

It would be nice if the extensions framework had an awareness of Unite components, same with tighter SpeedDial integration, possibly also Widgets. Something like this:

1) Click the link for https://addons.opera.com/

2) Look for something interesting

3) Click "Install" (Now it gets a little complicated)

OPTIONS (Example dialog for extra Photo Tagger features)
"Do you want the gallery to be available when Opera is closed?" (Install desktop Widget)
"Do you want to make tagged photos available to others?" (Add server component)
"Do you want to use tagged pictures for your speed dial background?" (Randomly changes speed dial background)
"Do you want to upload tagged pictures to a site or stream?" (Facebook/Flickr/MyOpera)

I of course don't know how much awareness is possible between components. But in theory, a single-click installation could transform the whole user experience. Things become even cooler if more components of FileAPI are available.
QuHnoSaturday, September 10, 2011 10:00:35 AM
The main problem of Unite in my eyes:
If my computer is off, Unite is off and my shared files/photos/whatever isn't available and i.e if. I have sent a link to the latest holiday photos on my Unite server, I have to be online when my contact wants to look at it.

Second problem:
Some of the Unite applications produce a ridiculously high amount of open connections for a small data load which can block other applications. The worst I ever saw were over 600(!) open and half open connections with just one (1!) user connected to to just one (1!) of my Unite services. This is ineffective and might work with LAN connections like campus networks but it is a real PITA when used with ADSL. I removed all of the Unite services that do that and use a local Apache for that. The real server is way more effective, doesn't have this high impact on my system and the connection handling is way better.

OK, setting up an Apache for these simple services as they are seen now on the Unite Apps page is a little bit overkill, but it works without flaws. I even tried Node.js for setting up some similar services, it worked without flaws and the best of it: With a very low impact on my system and the connection.

Third problem:
I can't reach the the Unite proxy at opera.com for about 2-4 times during an average month. I get a "User is not online" page instead of being connected to a user that is definitely online and has h(er|is) Unite up and running. I checked it by setting up a direct connection to the Unite port at the IP of the user's Unite server, which worked without problems.

I can see only one true benefit of Unite so far:
The first connection is initiated from inside (meaning: By me) by contacting the Unite proxy, so I don't have to care how external users can contact my Unite server which sits in my local network behind one of todays usual routers or if they have to tunnel through other proxies or firewalls - at least as long as the required port is not blocked.

Conclusion:
Originally posted by rafaelluik:

Unite needs to evolve.

+1
Andrei Daniel TicleanSaturday, September 10, 2011 11:04:59 AM
QuHno
combine those 2GB of storage for MyOpera users with Unite?
RisantoSaturday, September 10, 2011 12:26:08 PM
Opera Unite is one of the Opera nice feature ..
I use it and also tell people how to use it
QuHnoSaturday, September 10, 2011 12:31:46 PM
Originally posted by operaterrestrial:

combine those 2GB of storage for MyOpera users with Unite?

That could actually be a good idea - but you'd have to be careful, what you upload or how much - at least if you don't want to run out of space - and you couldn't upload active contents like .exe or .cmd etc.pp. which you can share via Unite.

May be someone who knows how to do such a thing could write a Unite application (plus the my.opera server sided script) that does exactly that and filters out every type that isn't allowed before uploading:
If you are online it is fetched from your computer and if you want to show it offline: push it to your my.opera account (may be synchronized folders) and it is available under the same unite address ... marketing name: my-O-cloud</dreaming>
moon6qSaturday, September 10, 2011 7:21:20 PM
and now you know i am the one of million as a fanatic with Opera
Tiago Joao SilvaSunday, September 11, 2011 4:05:22 AM
Also, Unite is useless without proper upload speeds at home. As long as most people have less than 1Mbit upload it's very difficult to use Unite.
JulianSunday, September 11, 2011 7:22:20 PM
Unite is a great Opera feature
Tiago Joao SilvaSunday, September 11, 2011 7:33:19 PM
Hey, I forgot: the promise of Opera Unite is unfulfilled. What computer do you have that is always on? Your smartphone.

When is Opera going to ship an Opera Mobile with Unite? Can I suggest the Meego/Maemo version for the Nokia N9 (a pure linux smartphone)? No need to "share" to flickr or facebook, just use Unite and let everyone get to your photos right from your phone.
Tiago WakabayashiSunday, September 11, 2011 8:04:33 PM
Originally posted by BS-Harou:

. Also Opera don't have enough people/resources to work on Widget/Extension/Unite APIs at once and make them enough competitive.

nice point
nurrlightSunday, September 11, 2011 9:34:34 PM
best and fast search engines
BJMonday, September 12, 2011 12:10:06 AM
ahaha
QuHnoMonday, September 12, 2011 6:13:54 AM
Originally posted by tigas:

What computer do you have that is always on? Your smartphone.

But not always on full power. Most of the time the phone is quite powered down and waiting for a call or (S|M)MS - not from the internet but via the phone connection. Most of the phones don't have enough accumulator capacity to stay online for a day if an application has to work with 100% to be able to listen for a connection from the internet if the battery charger isn't plugged in ...

... but an improved version of Unite could be a nice add on for some of the smart DSL, WLAN or cable routers - they are 100% on and listening all day.
Peter & Elizabeth (Love & Wonder)Monday, September 12, 2011 9:02:01 AM
I am not a complete expert with Opera, but I am using Opera Unite - to share some of my personal tunes, that I recorded in my studio. Since I upgraded to 11.51, people have been telling me that my connection has been 'closed', or, that I'm offline. I had one folder that I had set up to be shared (and, that one only), and it worked in the previous rev of Opera. However, the one feature that I wish was present is the ability to block users from downloading my tunes. I logged on to another computer that was running IE for a browser, and, I gained access to the tunes (prior to 11.51) - but, there were download buttons for each one. Not that I mind, but, I had originally set things up to be for just listening. My real problem is my memory - I'm a Type 1 diabetic, and, I am also disabled. So, I forget things. It is a pain in the tookis, let me tell you.
Shahrukh konawardMonday, September 12, 2011 11:06:23 AM
Hello
I have Opera installed on my iPhone, but no pain to brush your Nmykhvrh Vash View a Flash film on YouTube, etc. and that a Danlvdyr Bdvnym can download the Opera
If they install the next version will Qvghay Reply
MeMonday, September 12, 2011 8:58:13 PM
Originally posted by QuHno:

The main problem of Unite in my eyes:
If my computer is off, Unite is off and my shared files/photos/whatever isn't available and i.e if. I have sent a link to the latest holiday photos on my Unite server, I have to be online when my contact wants to look at it.

Yes, we need an Unite in the Cloud.
Martin KadlecMonday, September 12, 2011 9:17:01 PM
Originally posted by sbekius:

Yes, we need an Unite in the Cloud.

That doesn't make any sense, the whole point of unite is the fact that the files and evyrthing is on your computer.
MeMonday, September 12, 2011 9:58:58 PM
Originally posted by BS-Harou:

That doesn't make any sense, the whole point of unite is the fact that the files and evyrthing is on your computer.

This way Unite is useless for me. I have to leave my computer switched on all day to consult, for instance, my private calendar (Meet) when I'm elsewhere. That's why I suggested the idea for a sort of virtual Unite (in the cloud).
Rafael LuikMonday, September 12, 2011 11:14:02 PM
There are already available cloud services, including calendar - Windows Live, Google, etc... Unite is an alternative for who wants files in their computer, not depending on a third-party and still having access to it anywhere (also skipping the upload-download process into a direct connection model).
Renato GonçalvesMonday, September 12, 2011 11:34:11 PM
Widget for Opera Unite. Please!
QuHnoTuesday, September 13, 2011 5:30:13 AM
Originally posted by rafaelluik:

Unite is an alternative for who wants files in their computer, not depending on a third-party and still having access to it anywhere
That's why I wrote:
Originally posted by QuHno:

If you are online it is fetched from your computer and if you want to show it offline: push it to your my.opera account (may be synchronized folders) and it is available under the same unite address ... marketing name: my-O-cloud</dreaming>
The third party is in this case Opera and the my.Opera account I get automatically if I sign in to Unite. It could be utilized as a buffer if my computer isn't available or if the "connection proxy" fails, like it happened before. Not as a replacement, but as an additional service ...
ovicalpoTuesday, September 13, 2011 8:22:57 AM
quite simply if u have an unlimited net connecetion or wifi opera unite is the best connectvity in the world ok I REPEAT IN THE WORLD as per 2011! no skype ,gtalk, google+ ,facebook stand close to it. the only thing lacking is popularity BUT DONT LET IT SCARE U AFTERALL THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS BLOSSOM IN UNKNOWN
kapsiWednesday, September 14, 2011 11:50:05 AM
Originally posted by QuHno:

... but an improved version of Unite could be a nice add on for some of the smart DSL, WLAN or cable routers - they are 100% on and listening all day.

Install Linux on router, install X server, install Opera...I wonder if that would work.

Originally posted by tigas:

Also, Unite is useless without proper upload speeds at home. As long as most people have less than 1Mbit upload it's very difficult to use Unite.

If you want to send a file, it's the same as if you send the file with mail. Or even faster because you don't have to wait for upload to finish, to start downloading.
QuHnoWednesday, September 14, 2011 12:33:00 PM
Originally posted by kapsi:

Install Linux on router, install X server, install Opera...I wonder if that would work.
It works
I use a micro ITX board (12*12cm) as router, it has plenty of computing power left for that and I tried it once - but it is not very comfortable to manage ...
If you want to send a file, it's the same as if you send the file with mail. Or even faster because you don't have to wait for upload to finish, to start downloading.
Almost twice as fast because files don't need to be base64 encoded like in mail.
kapsiWednesday, September 14, 2011 7:20:00 PM
Oh yeah, base64...about the router, you could set up a VNC server, or something.
QuHnoWednesday, September 14, 2011 7:42:37 PM
... or - and now comes the funny thing - a Unite application, that allows to manage the other Unite applications by just logging in to that special application with the browser - at least I think that (c|s)hould be possible ...

... may be someone who knows the depths of Unite can create such an application (hint! )
kapsiThursday, September 15, 2011 6:46:19 AM
Good idea. I'll see if that's possible when I have time. Also I'd like to make unite media player support last.fm.
Cutting SpoonMonday, September 19, 2011 12:37:09 AM
Something very cool I just helped set up:

New netbook ($200USD)
3 portable HDDs with software RAID 5 (3x 1TB, ~$250USD)
Modem+WiFi+VoIP+battery backup (price varies)

This is primarily a home media hub, and it can operate under load for more than four hours during a blackout. If someone is away, they can still access content via the internet. The PC and HDDs are in a drawer where they can't be seen or heard, and the system has a tiny script which reboots the system and applies updates once per week.
Constantine VesnaFriday, September 23, 2011 12:14:54 AM
ontopic:
Skype -> drag-and-drop file to conversation => file transfered.

It was like that since Skype 3.x, or maybe even since earlier versions.

p.s: Unite was cool on a paper, but its usability is virtually non-existent
XobrtSunday, October 30, 2011 4:39:09 AM
I not only use Opera.Unite (collect the whole web site), but also learning how to write new applications for it.

Thanks to the authors for Opera.Unite! It's cool!