The new release of WordPress (version 2.6) is due in August 2008 and is compatible with Google Gears.

*this refers to self hosted WordPress software, not the wordpress.com blogging platform.

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Google add two new features in Google Docs today - offline support and video embeds - you can insert YouTube videos in Google Docs or upload video clips from the hard drive.

Using the Google Gears extension in Firefox or IE, you can now view or edit existing documents in Google Docs without requiring an always-on Internet connection - it is however not possible to create new word documents while you are offline in Google Docs.

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Google Gears, a free add-in for Firefox and Internet Explorer, lets you continue working with certain websites even if you are not connected to the Internet.

Though Google Gears was launched in May 2007, we have seen only a handful of web applications that can work offline with Google Gears. Even some very popular Google products like Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Docs stop working once you unplug your Internet cable.

Now if you are about to embark on a long airplane or train journey without any Wi-Fi, here are some good Google Gears compatible web apps that will continue to work as before:

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A major downside with online Office programs (like Google Docs) is that they require an Internet connection – that means if you are on an airplane, a cab or some remote village that has no Internet, you may not be able to create/ edit or print your documents, spreadsheets and presentations that are stored online.

If this “always on” factor forcing you to stay away from any of these online office suites, some good news - the very impressive online word processor in Zoho Office suite is now available for both online and offline use through Google Gears.

To use Zoho Writer in offline mode, just install Google Gears and restart your web browser. Then login to your Zoho account and click the link at the top that says “Go Offline.”

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