Robots and gadgets are the two forms of extensions that increase the functionality of Google Wave. Gadgets are applications that run within the tool, yet have no influence over the wave, while robots are actual participants in the wave and have the ability to read and change the wave information.
As new extensions are created and adopted, Google Wave may become an all-in-one social device, where Twitter, Facebook, instant messaging and email all meld into one platform.
Before jumping into extensions, learn the basics of the powerful wave tool.
Finding and Installing Extensions
In the main search area, in the center panel, use the search "Getting Started With Google Wave," and when you open the wave, the third link down will lead to the trial extensions. Click the install button and then confirm the choice. Make note of where the extension will be located. Usually it can be found on the toolbar. Open a wave, add participants and then click the toolbar link to load the application into the wave.
Yes/No/Maybe Extension
During a conversation or invitation wave, an easy way to collect responses is with the use of Yes/No/Maybe Extension. Add the extension from the toolbar, as explained in the preceding paragraph, and a bar will embed in the wave, that offers the choices of a green yes, red no and yellow maybe. Participants need only to place a mark in the circle below their choice. Avatars will then appear in a single line below the chosen response.
Using the Google Wave Map Extension
Type an address in the wave, and highlight it. Click on the map extension in the toolbar and a map will automatically embed within the wave, and reveal the location of the address. The map will zoom in and out, the same way, for each viewing participant.
Spelly, Linky and Searchy Extensions
Spelly is a powerful context spellcheck extension within a wave, while Linky senses links as you type and creates them on the spot. Searchy is an application that creates a Google search bar, also within the wave. Search for a link, a photo or information, and with one click, it will be embedded in the wave.
Canvas Extension
This application allows a collaborative drawing effort that supports free drawing and the ability to add objects, lines, text and color.
Google Wave Robots
Robots are software creations that can be added to the wave and can also become participants of it. They are able to manipulate the wave just as freely as the human participants. An example of a robot program would be a Twitter bot, such as Tweetie, although a bot can be used with any site that uses an API. The user creates a new wave, and adds the Twitter bot as a participant.
A log-in would normally be required, and once that takes place, the bot would gather the Twitter API information, allowing it to flow into the newly created wave. The user is then able to respond from within the wave and the bot would deliver the information to their Twitter account. From within the wave, the user is also able to search the Twitter timeline for a specific set of words and pull those specific tweets into the wave.
Another example of a Google Wave robot is Rosy Etta or Rosy, for short. Rosy uses the Google translation engine and allows two different participants to communicate with one another in their native language. Each user sets up their own language and as they type a phrase, Rosy translates the words into the viewer's language, in real time, and can translate 40 different languages.
Twiliobot is a robot that will be able to make a phone call from inside a wave to a cell phone or landline. The conversation can be transcribed right into the wave as text.
Expect a number of exciting applications for Google Wave, some fun and others functional. Developers are working feverishly to have their applications and robots ready for the Google Wave unveiling.
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