iGoogle
| iGoogle | |
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 A screenshot of iGoogle with default gadgets |
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| Developer: | |
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| Platform: | Web browsers |
| Genre: | Web Gadgets |
| Website: | http://www.igoogle.com/ |
iGoogle (formerly Google Personalized Homepage) is a customizable homepage originally launched in May 2005. Updates include the capability to add web feeds and Google Gadgets (similar to those available on Google Desktop).
It was renamed and expanded on April 30, 2007 and is currently available in several localized versions of Google: U.S., Australia, India, Canada, the U.K., Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Netherlands, Russia, Denmark, Sweden and Ireland.[1]
Features
Gadgets
iGoogle supports the use of specially developed "gadgets" to display content on a users page. The gadgets interact with the user and utilise the Google Gadgets API. Some gadgets developed for Google Desktop can also be used within iGoogle. 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 must be of one of the following types:
- "Framed Photo" - displays a series of photos,
- "GoogleGram" - creation of special daily messages,
- "Daily Me" - displays user's current mood and feelings,
- "Free Form" - allows the user to input text and an image of their choice,
- "YouTube Channel" - displays videos from a YouTube channel,
- "Personal List" - allows the user to create a list of items,
- "Countdown" - countdown timer
Tabbed pages
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.
Themes
With iGoogle, 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. For example, in the Sweet Dreams theme, at 3:14 am, a pi sign made of stars will appear. In the Beach theme, at 5:12 am, the Loch Ness monster appears.
Compatibility
Most common Web browsers are able to view iGoogle. Its interface makes use of the JavaScript client-side scripting language, so users who run browsers without Javascript support will not be able to use iGoogle. iGoogle is compatible with the following browsers[1]:
- IE 5.5+ (Windows)
Firefox 0.8+ (Windows, Mac, Linux)- Safari 1.2.4+ (Windows, Mac)
- Netscape 7.1+ (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Mozilla 1.4+ (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Opera 8+ (Windows, Mac, Linux)
References
- ^ a b Google Web Search Help Center. Retrieved on 2007-06-17.
External Links
- iGoogle Homepage
- iGoogle Gadget API Documentation
- iGoogle Header Images A collection of all header images used in a select number of iGoogle themes.
- Webpage Gadgets Directory Offical webpage gadgets(univeral gadgets) directory.
- Google Modules An unofficial directory of google gadgets.
- Google Mini Apps An unofficial directory of google gadgets.
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
