I just downloaded and installed Google Gears, the new ”open source browser extension that enables web applications to provide offline functionality. Google Gears allows developers to enhance their AJAX applications to be able to run even when their users are offline.”

After restarting the Firefox browser, it quickly became apparent that Google Gears is true to it’s BETA status. To see all the scary details, click here to see my post on the Google Gears discussion group.

Anybody else encountering any problems? Drop your comments here and let us know your experience with this new technology.

Mecca.com was introduced to us by a fellow web developer and activist (Thanks Amine!). Mecca.com’s goal is to unite online Muslims and to provide a variety of services. Some services include a branded email account, branded interoperable instant messaging, forums and quality travel offerings for Hajj, Umrah and other Middle East tours. More information about Mecca.com’s vision and goals can be found here.

They have also announced that Reza Aslan has joined their team as an advisor and contributor. This new site is currently closed to public registration and only available via invitations. Drop them a note and tell them that IslamCrunch sent you. We look forward to their launch and will continue to monitor their progress. Mecca.com is also available in a Arabic version. Here is a sneak preview of the Mecca.com portal:

Technorati tags: mecca, mecca.com, arabic, portal, reza aslan, hajj, umrah, middle east, email, instant messaging

A new blog popped up on our radar recently called Media and Islam. After browsing around, we realized a close friend of ours, Irfan Rydhan, was involved. We contacted him to get more information on the site. Irfan clarified that the site was a team effort with several editors. As stated on their site: “Media and Islam is the blog of Muslim Media Activists. We strive to promote media interaction with the Muslim community..”

Presented here is a media exclusive interview with the main editors of the site.

IslamCrunch: What is your web application/service about?

MediaAndIslam: is primarily a blog for Muslim media activists.

IslamCrunch: Why did you start this project?

MediaAndIslam: We started the website to create an outlet in which the SBIA (South Bay Islamic Association)’s Media Committee can extend their reach to the web. We also are open to allowing other Muslim Media Activists post articles and blog items, which we have already started doing.

IslamCrunch: How does your project relate to Muslims? Or is your project geared towards a general audience?

MediaAndIslam: Our project is geared mostly towards Muslims but would welcome a more general audience.

IslamCrunch: If your project is related to Muslims, how do you hope your project will impact the Muslim community?

MediaAndIslam: Hopefully they will become more aware of the use of media to shape how the public sees Islam and Muslims. However, we would also like to show the positives as well and not just focus on the negatives.

IslamCrunch: How much time do you devote to its growth?

MediaAndIslam: InshAllah we hope to spend more time in the future on the site to refine it and make it better, as well as blog more consistently.

IslamCrunch: How large is your team and what are your backgrounds? Read the rest of this entry »

We received an invitation code to APSENSE and wanted to share the invite with our readers. FIRST 2,500 5000 Members Will Get a Free VIP Membership Upgrade!

You’re invited to join the ApSense network of friends.

By joining Apsense, a newly launched business social network, you can connect with business indivduals with common interests, meet new friends or business associates, start your business blog, and even build your own private social network!
Please take a few minutes to visit our website, learn more about us and register for a FREE Membership.

The website address is:
http://www.apsense.com/invite/islamcrunch

Included in the membership is a desktop marketing tool, the ApSense Express, to advertise your service/product/business.

Please note that during this period, we are only accepting registration from our “Invite My Friends” invitation system. We are taking this opportunity to give our closest friends and their friends a chance to take advantage of our Social Network before the general public. This is our way of saying ‘THANK YOU” for your help and support during the development of this MOST ANTICIPATED Business Social Network Community!

Technorati tags: apsense, invite, free, social networking, business, prelaunch, membership, marketing, tool, desktop

Illume Media has released an audio recording of Imam Zaid Shakir’s speech he delivered at the WhyIslam Dawah Conference on March 17, 2007. The event was held in Fremont, California. Please click here to listen to the audio podcast: Dawah Takes Courage