Understanding the Widget Technology

A widget or gadget is a small program which automatically runs on the desktop every time. The widget eliminates the requirement to constantly surf the website for getting the common information, such as Gmail widget often shows the games activity icons and weather forecasting. Whenever the user will click the widget, he will be directed to that particular site.

Some of the common types of widgets available on the web:

• Games widgets
• Weather forecasting widgets
• News widgets
• Gadgets widgets
• Informational widgets

If we go back and look at the invention of the widget, then we will find that these wizards began with an application called Konfabulator which are especially designed for Mac users. In the past, it helps to extracts the information from across the Web, such as weather, stock quotes, and headlines. All these information were placed on the desktop as tiny floating windows. Idea of floating windows was very successful so the Apple decided to build widget which would directly support the operating system. Yahoo was the first company which bought Konfabulator's creator also known as the Pixoria. After this it was started to known as the widget. These became popular very early and many companies made their wizards for the quick information.

Wizards are very popular these days as the user really like them. The reason behind its liking is it makes the Web user-programmable. After Yahoo, the Netvibes took this idea and offered the users almost 250 widgets so that the users can build a wholly personalized homepage.

There is no ending of these widgets as various companies, such as Nokia, Yahoo and Google are using the widgets to promote their businesses. The opportunities and business models around widgets are increasing day by day and there is a great future of widgets.

Jon Harwokey, a software developer of 15 years is an advocate of Widget Technology. NewsGator offers business value through social computing. Learn how to create a widget by visiting NewsGator today!