An SA software product studio, Close One, has launched a free-to-download browser extension that transforms your browser into an aesthetically pleasing productivity tool, showcasing everything South Australia.
The extension, known as ‘Dayscape’, acts as a browser ‘skin’, replacing Google or Safari’s ‘new tab’ page with imagery of local South Australian tourist destinations, businesses, and landscapes, taken (often) by local photographers.
Close One and its debut product, Dayscape, are the brainchildren of local software developer, Greg Denehy. After spending 20 years in research-based roles, Denehy was inspired to pursue independent software projects following a desire to solve problems he cares about.
“Dayscape was a scratch I needed to itch,” says Denehy. “It was a weekend project that turned into something more and I quicky realised it could be useful to other people.”
The browser extension adds a brighter, local layer to your internet experience, while still harnessing the functionality of Safari or Google. As South Aussies begin to download the product, Dayscape will develop into a one-stop-shop productivity tool.
“The public’s search experience could be better. Interaction through the search page could be richer and could pull together all the things we need to see at a glance every time we open a browser tab,” says Denehy.
“For example, weather updates, your personal calendar, fitness stats, notifications from various applications, company metrics… these could all be brought together in a simplified dashboard. This is where Dayscape comes in.
“I just wanted a summary of what I’ve got going on through the day to make it easier. We shouldn’t need to keep an eye on five different tools running in the background.
“Right now, Dayscape is all about that beautiful imagery, intended to relate to what’s around you. It’s got the search bar and keeps your links close in an aesthetically pleasing way. But the future of Dayscape will focus on building out the productivity of the tool.”
While Denehy’s priority now is to get the everyday South Aussie to download and experience the browser extension, he did reveal the potential for the product to promote and advertise local photographers and businesses.
“There’s a huge opportunity to promote yourself here,” says Denehy. “Not only for businesses, but for photographers. Dayscape could help locals find their work and connect people to their own websites.”
“Same goes for local businesses and community organisations,” Denehy continued. “The photos don’t have to be just appealing. This product can support those organisations too.”
Dayscape is free to install now for Chrome and Safari. To download or learn more about the product, visit the Dayscape website.