Google gadgets a-go-go

Google has opened up its gadgets tool, allowing users to add mini applications to their own Web sites.

Tiny applications, known variously as widgets or gadgets, have become quite popular among the Web 2.0 crowd; Apple Computer, Microsoft and Yahoo offer similar tools. Google's gadgets were previously available for its personalized home page, or for the Google desktop. The company said Wednesday it would offer up the code for many of its popular gadgets so that Web page designers could simply paste it into their own sites.

Bloggers applauded the move for its openness, although some cautioned that it could lead to an explosion of busy or badly designed Web sites.

Blog community response:

"What is you first reaction when you encounter a blog that has a Flash clock, dynamic weather forecast, shoutbox with smileys, terror alert indicator, birthday countdown timer and tons of other bells-n-whistles? You probably assume that the site is written by some non-serious teenager and leave the site as early as possible without subscribing."
--Digital Inspiration

"Syndicated content, like weather and clock 'stickers' and buttons--of course aren't anything new. But I was really impressed with the breadth of content that these new gadgets offer. Furthermore, with the Google Gadget API, I think we'll be seeing a lot more of these."
--ResearchBuzz

"This is a significant move from Google that puts them in a similar position to WidgetBox, MySpace's upcoming product TheSpringBox and other centralized widget repositories. There are some problems, however. Google have hidden the site away at a domain that's impossible to remember, and the widgets are javascript-based--that rules out MySpace, Friendster, hi5 and the majority if social networks, all of which ban javascript widgets (Piczo is one rare exception)."
--Mashable