Microsoft's gadgets update
Boo! DHTML
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 by Frogboy | Discussion: WinCustomize News
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.
rabidrobot
Reply #2 Tuesday, February 21, 2006 6:48 PM
Reply #2 Tuesday, February 21, 2006 6:48 PM
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
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
Drop125
Reply #3 Tuesday, February 21, 2006 7:02 PM
Reply #3 Tuesday, February 21, 2006 7:02 PM
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. 
thomassen
Reply #4 Tuesday, February 21, 2006 7:50 PM
Reply #4 Tuesday, February 21, 2006 7:50 PM
I heard eariler they planned to let gadgets be made in DHTML as well as XAML. HAve they dropped XAML completely for DHTML now?
thomassen
Reply #5 Thursday, February 23, 2006 4:19 AM
Reply #5 Thursday, February 23, 2006 4:19 AM
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. |
rabidrobot
Reply #6 Thursday, February 23, 2006 5:00 PM
Reply #6 Thursday, February 23, 2006 5:00 PM
Nice find, thomassen!
That page is quite the read.
That page is quite the read.
thomassen
Reply #7 Saturday, March 4, 2006 7:19 AM
Reply #7 Saturday, March 4, 2006 7:19 AM
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?
thomassen will again turn to Stardock with hopeful eyes that they'll be able to remedy this.
They say they hope to implement it for the next version. ...but when will this be?
thomassen will again turn to Stardock with hopeful eyes that they'll be able to remedy this.
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Reply #1 Tuesday, February 21, 2006 5:21 PM
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.