Ground Control is conceived to be extensible. The initial first release will only be the beginning. While the basic iApps listed on the sidebar would be the initial primary module-set, the sky should be the limit for what other modules could be developed to allow data and resource access within Ground Control. While some would function as extensions of existing installed applications, many would operate as stand-alone utilities.
Ideally, it would need to have an IDE or API that would enable easier development of modules for programmers. It would be great to have a similar environment to Dashcode to make your own, but that might be a bit much to hope for at this stage.
Here are some ideas for modules that are from a couple of the other applications in the My Dream App competition, Portal by Farzad Sadjadi and Cookbook by Michael Yuan.
Sample of what a Portal Module could look like. 
Sample of what a Cookbook Module could look like. 
Below is a list that I’ve posted in an earlier thread but I think it bears repeating for those that don’t have the time to search back that far. Here are just some of the possible additional modules that could be developed:
• Dictionary/Thesaurus
• FTP
• Skype
• Tetris/Solitaire/Minesweeper/Chess distractor
• Clipboard Contents
• File Preview
• Weather Report Viewer
• A Greeked text generator
• Measurement Converter
• Sticky Notes (could tear off and stay wherever placed)
• Print Monitor
• Network Utility (Ping, Lookup, Traceroute, Whois, etc.)
• System Profile Snapshots (with copy and send email)
• Password Manager
• File Type Changer
• Code Lookup Resource
• Terminal Access
• Scanner Acquire
• Art Director’s Toolkit
• Character Finder
• Area and Zip Code Lookup
• Google, Yahoo or Mapquest Map Lookup
• Mini-Text Editor
• Quicken or Quickbooks entry
• BitTorrent
• Timer Alarm (with countdown)
• FileMaker Pro (create mini-data entry interfaces and tie to FMP Database)
As you can see, the possibilities are endless, and much more accessible than any widget. Some might argue, “But I can do most of that with Quicksilver already.” I would argue in return, while I use Quicksilver, I am not convinced it has wide-market appeal. The benefits are rather esoteric and need to be “discovered” as you “get used” to using it. Once you do, it’s a habit (or addiction to some). But the benefits of Ground Control would be immediately obvious to even a newbie. I feel that it will be something people will ask, “Why didn’t Apple do this in the first place?” once they start using it. It’s what I have always wanted Apple to do with the Dock and Dashboard.
BTW: Thanks to Farzad and Michael for taking the time from their ideas to make these comps for Ground Control!
