Microsoft's gadgets update

Boo! DHTML

http://ooeygui.typepad.com/ooey_gui/2006/02/introduction_to.html
from WinCustomize Forums

The next beta build of Windows Vista will include the Sidebar.  That's good.

The build will only include 5 gadgets.  That's bad.

You will be able to get more gadgets from MicrosoftGadgets.com (and DesktopGadgets.com eventually).  That's good.

Most of the third party gadgets are awful. That's bad.

There's a guide to make your own Microsoft gadgets. That's good.

The Microsoft gadgets are made using DHTML. That's bad.

Stardock plans to find a way so that gadgets can be made in a non-crappy manner such as XAML/WPF.

But in the meantime, check this how-to guide.

 

4,599 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks for info. That's good.
Agreed, not many gadgets. That's bad.
There's a guide. That's good.
DHTML only for gadgets? That's bad.
Stardock working on a "non-crappy" development manner! That's good.

See ya got me doing it now. That's bad.

PS. Lay off the Dr.Seuss for a little bit. That's good.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
What a strange decision to use DHTML and to marry gadgets to a sidebar, even if they can be detatched. The XAML/WPF combination seems at first glance to be tailor made for easily skinnable apps, but perhaps at this point is actually percieved as just too powerful for these type of applications. Additionally, I am still confused on how an application might use XAML files itself at runtime--will some sort of compiler be needed to intepret the XAML, and will this be a shared resource, or application integrated?

I have made a couple simple XAML/WPF digital clocks. http://feebdack.com/article.php?id_art=16

I am very excited that this article has appeared here. I think Stardock and the customization community might have some great input on how to best use this new WPF tech. I hope this becaomes a lively thread
Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Cool, clock really, but Im a little scared to start installing all sorts of beta stuff just to try out your clock.....But it looks super tight.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I heard eariler they planned to let gadgets be made in DHTML as well as XAML. HAve they dropped XAML completely for DHTML now?
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
From microsoftgadgets: http://microsoftgadgets.com/blogs/gadgetnews/archive/2005/09/13/3.aspx
Gadgets for Windows Sidebar will run on your desktop or dock into Windows Sidebar, an upcoming feature in Windows Vista alongside other applications. Desktop Gadgets can developed using Windows Presentation Foundation, DHTML/Atlas, and even ActiveX controls.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Nice find, thomassen!

That page is quite the read.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
doh! Apparently there will only be DHTML support for the first release of the Sidebar. http://microsoftgadgets.com/forums/3125/ShowPost.aspx

They say they hope to implement it for the next version. ...but when will this be?

/me will again turn to Stardock with hopeful eyes that they'll be able to remedy this.