When we released 360desktop almost 12 months ago, the world (at least the social media/web 2.0 world) was a very different place.
In the past 12 months, we've have had more than 1.5m installs, many tens of thousands of incredible 360's created by you our content creators, many millions of 360's downloaded and some truly amazing feedback.
Our plan (like almost everyone else), was to grow the user base, feeding everyone a world of stunning 360's, and once this was well underway, we would gradually roll out our revenue model (and then all retire to a big boat in the Whitsundays.) We got a long way down this track when the world changed (in case you missed it, I'm sure it's been written about somewhere!!)
So where did this leave us? We said goodbye to a lot of fantastic staff, then brought forward our product development plans, focussed only on the bits that would transform 360desktop from a cool utility to a powerful media platform, and basically did three times the work, in half the time, with a fraction of the resources that we used to have (or needed).
This meant a lot less love for our user/community base (sorry guys for the slow response ). It also meant, that in order to "get there", our truly incredible dev team, would need to do some almost superhuman things.
And they did.
With this next phase in our lifecycle, you will begin to see what 360desktop really is - not just a cool utility to give you more desktop space and panoramic wallpaper.
Rather, 360desktop is where the web and the desktop become one.
Grab your favorite web content and put it right on your desktop - web widgets, videos - anything embeddable; clip webpages and do the same.
Content creators and publishers, use the 360 platform as a great new way to distribute and monetize your content - your interactive web and digital content is now the desktop.
Brands and business - deliver your message directly to your target user, outside the browser - create branded 360's and become the center of their digital universe - the desktop.
App developers - don't get lost in the social network crowd. The iPhone has Apps and an App Store. Now the desktop has 360apps. Monetize your applications and own the desktop.
You'll also begin to see more obvious commercial elements. Our new virtual payments/TipMe system to help reward the content creators for the great work that they do. Advertising, yes advertising - but subtly integrated and for those who prefer ad-free, we have our new 360desktop Pro - support us and support our content creators.
Why so little news until now? Well, to be honest, it's hard to be social when you're up to your neck in sh*t! But we're (pretty much) there now and thanks to your passionate and encouraging feedback, we're now ready for the next phase.
Please tell your friends and enjoy.