What is a Windows Sidebar Gadget?

Microsoft uses the term "Gadget" to refer to two different, not necessarily compatible technologies. Gadgets for Windows Sidebar will run on your desktop or dock into Windows Sidebar, an upcoming feature in Windows Vista which allows users to run widget-like mini-applications on a side-bar like addition to Windows. Desktop Gadgets can developed using Windows Presentation Foundation, DHTML/Atlas, and even ActiveX controls. The beauty of Desktop Gadgets is that they are visually and programmatically rich ? scaling from vector-based graphics and managed code to standard web techniques.  more