Take Windows Vista to the next level is a Microsoft invitation correlated with the high degree of customization supported by the latest operating system to exit the Redmond Labs. The fact of the matter is that part of the key to the success of an operating system is the third-party content developed for the platform. In an effort to expand the resources available for Windows Vista, Microsoft has debuted the Windows Vista Gadgets Competition on Code Project.

"We're only one month into the Windows Vista Gadgets Competition, and already developers have exceeded our expectations in finding new ways to enhance the Windows Vista Sidebar experience via Gadgets. Some of the cooler gadgets include a daily Dilbert cartoon display and a tool that places your email Inbox at your fingertips. At this point we've already received dozens of contest entries and we're expecting even bigger things to come," revealed Nick White, Microsoft Product Manager.

The Windows Vista Gadgets Competition is opened to all. Either if you are a professional or an amateur developer, you will be able to enter the competition and try your hand at creating a gadget for Windows Vista. Microsoft will offer a whole set of prizes including cash and Zune digital media players. If you are interested, then you will be able to access a how-to article via this link.

Nick White has also presented a list of gadgets that have already been submitted to the Windows Vista Gadgets Competition, just to give you an idea of what you'll be up against.

- .NET Interop for Gadgets - A C# GMail Inbox Reader Example by Acoustic
- A Vista sidebar gadget to provide weather information by bodrick
- Daily Dilbert 1.0*: A Sidebar gadget for Windows Vista by Quartz...
- A Gadget for Browsing the Astronomy Picture of the Day by Michael Dunn
- Windows Vista Weather SideShow by Dr.Luiji