We're excited to announce the release of the Orb 2.0 API to the public. The Orb API is a set of Web Services that let developers create or enrich desktop and web applications with Orb functionality including TV streaming and recording, media playing and sharing, file browsing, contacts, etc. This means that anyone can write or customize a program to search, present, play and manage content from an Orb-enabled computer, using any programming language they like.

We've been busy working on this release, trying to provide the most complete set of API methods. Our focus is to give outside developers all the tools they need to build applications as complete as our own Mycast Web Application. Our plan is to keep updating the API with new functionality, so feel free to make suggestions and recommendations. We have been testing it for a few months now and have already seen much enthusiasm from the Orb engineers and testers who quickly got addicted to its simplicity and power. In fact, many ended up developing their own widgets to address some of their personal Orb needs!

With the API release we've also launched the Orb Developer Center at http://developer.orb.com -- it's the official location for all developer information including what you need to get started with the API, documentation for all methods, links to the API forum, how to contact us, and so on. Check in frequently, as this is all brand new and we will be updating it regularly. There is no API mailing list, but we will post all announcements here. So be sure to subscribe to this blog to make sure you don't miss anything, including new features, updates, fixes, samples and so on.

All of us at Orb are excited about the release of the API, and we are committed to making it a great and powerful tool. We are anxious to see all the creative new implementations of Orb technology. So go to the Developer Center and get started today!