Tech Shout!

Over the weekend, in preparation for the public release of Windows Vista Beta 2, Microsoft put up a beta website for hosting gadgets that run within the Windows Sidebar. The gallery enables users to find available gadgets. It also allows developers to submit their own creations.

Gadgets are a new category of mini-application for the Windows Desktop and the Web. Windows Sidebar is the container for Gadgets on the Windows desktop in Windows Vista.

Although the site is currently quite sparse, Microsoft is accepting feedback and is expected to add more information and RSS feed support. Microsoft also released a Beta SDK, which provides documentation and examples for those interested in building Windows Live Gadgets for both Live.com and the Windows Sidebar.

For those of you who don’t know what Windows Sidebar is all about, read on. As you use your computer to access more information and interact with more software applications, you may begin to face information overload. You may need to open several applications and sites at a time to check on various topics such as calendar, the weather and calculator.

Now Windows Sidebar boosts your personal productivity by providing instant access to gadgets – a wide variety of engaging, easy-to-use and customizable mini-applications. These gadgets offer information at a glance, while providing easy access to frequently used tools.