Hacker News Reader

You are mistaken, they definitely are adding *nix capabilities to JavaScript. Go read the B2G or WebAPI mailing list and you'll see they are working on every part of the OS, not just the UI.

View on HN

The problem that I saw in the API was that it was not open to new types of devices and there was no apparent way to download and install new drivers. That is basic OS stuff if this is ever to be a desktop replacement, and that is why Chromebooks aren't selling like hotcakes.

The WebUSB api has always been on the roadmap, but it got deprioritized for 1.0. It takes a long time to finish all these pieces, so some patience will be needed. :-)

Thanks! Will try to be patient, but it's difficult. :)

Would it allow me to connect a USB keyboard (for example) or a USB mouse to my phone? How about a USB webcam that requires an additional linux driver to be installed? How could that be installed easily by the user? How about connecting a printer via USB? Will I be able to print from my HTML5 app? If not, what will it support? I'd also like to be able to find devices and printers via wifi and print, scan, etc. Will I be able to do that?

I'm not sure of the exact details, but I will try to find out and get back to you.

The ultimate goal is if somebody wants to do something, then it should be possible.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com