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iGoogle allows the user to create an unlimited number of tabs, allowing users to split their gadgets up, thus only showing certain gadgets at a certain time. Users can select unique themes for one’s Google homepage. Some of the themes are animated depending on weather conditions, system time, and so on. The Google Gadgets API is public and allows anyone to develop a gadget for any need. Google also allows all users to create a special gadget that does not require the use of the Gadgets API. The gadgets are designed to be shared with friends and family. The special gadgets must be created using an online wizard and include the following:

• “Framed Photo” is a gadget type that can display a series of photos,
• “GoogleGram” is a gadget type that allows the creation of special daily messages,
• “Daily Me” is a gadget type that allows the user to express your current mood and feelings to others,
• “Free Form” is a simple gadget type that allows the user to input text and an image of their choice,
• “YouTube Channel” allows the user to pull videos directory from a YouTube channel,
• “Personal List” allows the user to create a list of items,
• “Countdown” allows the user to create a countdown to a specific time.

Check out the World Language Lab’s iGoogle page and try creating your own iGoogle gadgets.

1. Go to http://www.google.com/ig
2. Click on “Sign In”
3. User: worldlanguagelab@gmail.com
4. Password: wllwll
5. Explore the different tabs or categories of gadgets
6. Search for the newest gadgets by clicking on the “Add stuff…” link
7. Watch my YouTube Channel videos on language & technology (multitechnolinguanot 1.0 on the homepage)
8. Click on the +/- button on the bar of each gadget to minimize or maximize
9. Keep gadgets minimized to improve page loading time

What would you like to know about this technology? Click on the “No comments” link below (the last link in the paragraph), log on, leave your request or comment, and click the “submit” button to send.