Vista Sidebar gadgets running wild

Posted By: JD Lewin | Feb 28th, 2007 @ 1:37 PM

Call them gadgets, widgets, sprockets, or tribbles. Regardless of the name, these little mini-applications have spread like wildfire and they're showing no signs of stopping. Sidebar gadgets are one of the most eye-catching parts of Vista, and they're one of the largest opportunities to tailor your user experience and decrease your dependence on keeping dozens of websites open at all times.

If you're looking for the next hot conference, the Mix '07 Countdown gadget will show you how long you've got to prep for the 72-hour conversation. For those who simply cannot put together a colorful website (or outfit), the Color Swatches gadget will deliver you softly into the technicolor world. If you're web-two-oh savvy, then you can chirp at your friends with Twitter's Twadget gadget. To minimize your time stuck in traffic, the Traffic by Live Search Maps gadget will help you drive quicker. You can never have too much meteorological info, so chase the sun with a WeatherBug gadget or four. Always know what to date your checks with the 'Flickrized' Calendr gadget. The KEXP Now Playing gadget gives you a peek at when you can mute your favourite Northwest internet radio station, and when you've simply got to rock out. Save the roos and dingos with the Australian Brushfire Danger gadget (provided you happen to be a volunteer firefigher). Those of us who live with near-constant precipitation can try to stay dry using the USA Doppler Radar gadget. Branch out and psyche up for Imagine Cup '08 with the Korean Audio Word of the Day gadget. Pick your tags of preference, subscribe to the RSS feed of your friendly neighborhood photo site, and look out on the world with the Feedr gadget.

Finally, be sure to keep an eye on Gadgets from TeamBlackshirt, as their eye for style and substance is second to none.