Jetpack is an experiment in using open Web technologies to enhance the browser, with the goal of allowing anyone who can build a Web site to participate in making the Web a better place to work, communicate and play.

We are currently hard at work on Jetpack 0.5 which will have a number of great new features, from the ability to handle streaming audio, to being able to play the music already on your computer, to a much improved Twitter library. This is in addition to a whole slew of bug fixes. You can see exactly what’s changed here.

If you’re impatient, you can download the beta of Jetpack 0.5.

The Contest

In preparation for the release we are launching a Jetpack contest. For making the coolest or most interesting Jetpack, we are offering a brand new netbook (the ASUS Eee PC 1000HE). For the runner-up, we’ll send you a big package of Mozilla swag. Special kudos for Jetpacks that use the latest features in Jetpack 0.5.

• The contest starts today, the 20th of August and lasts until the 15th of October.
• Win a netbook!
• See the contest details
• Submit your Jetpack

Get Involved

Mozilla Labs is a virtual lab where people come together online to create, experiment and play with Web innovations for the public benefit. The Jetpack experiment is still in its infancy and just getting started. There are many ways to join the team and get involved:

• Install and play around with the initial Jetpack API and demos
• Write a JEP
• Report a bug
• Grab the source code and fix a bug or add a feature
• Discuss, debate and add to the design in the Jetpack discussion group
• Join us in #jetpack on irc.mozilla.org

We’re also looking for a full-time product manager and software engineers to join Labs and work on Jetpack! What title is better than Jetpack PM? Check out the career opportunities available.

— Aza Raskin, on behalf of the Jetpack team