So, I’ve been quietly working away for a few weeks on a new Umbraco package, and thought it was about time I give a little intro into what it is, and what it does. So without further a do, I introduce to you, Universal Media Picker…….tada!

What is it?

Universal Media Picker is a new data type for Umbraco which mimics the default styling of the built-in Media Picker, but instead of displaying the contents of the Media section, allows you to list content located on any third-party site with an API. What this means is that you can now create a standard picker, for just about any content. YouTube? no problem, Scribd? you bet, Flickr? a synch.

How does it work?

The Universal Media Picker data type is pretty useless on its own. Where its power comes from, is via a number of providers. When you create a Universal Media Picker, you first select a provider to use, and configure it with your details. You can then add the picker to your doc type as per any other data type, and click choose to choose your content. When the picker loads, it will automatically connect to the third-party sites API, using the details you provided during the configuration.

Why do we need another data picker?

The idea behind the Universal Media Picker is to provide a standard UI for picking media. If you’ve already used the Media Picker built into Umbraco, then you’ll be pretty familiar with the look and feel. This is no accident. By keeping a consistent UI, once a user has used one Media Picker, then know how to use all Media Pickers. And from a developers point of view, creating a Media Picker has become a lot simpler. Creating a provider is as simple as creating 2 server controls, and implementing a couple of data access methods (and 1 of the server controls is optional).

Ok, I’ve heard enough, where can I get Universal Media Picker?

Whoa! Hold your horses! Whilst Universal Media Picker is close to release, as I mentioned earlier, the data type on its own is pretty useless, so right now I’m on the look out for developers to help out writing a few providers. So that people can use Universal Media Picker out of the box, I’m hoping to get a few of the key sites setup as providers at the time of release.

If there is a provider you would like to see, or would like to get involved and write a provider of your own, then please do get in touch.

Otherwise, just hang tight, and prepare for awesome! =)

UPDATE – October 14, 2010 08:21

I have put together a google spreadsheet of all the planned providers so far, so if you would like to write a provider, please check it is not currently in development, and if you do create one, please make sure it’s on the list.

(Details of where to download the source are also in the list)

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