Keeping a close eye on Microsoft is not exactly an easy task, moreover since the company has entered a new era of translucency over transparency. But at the same time there are a variety of sources orbiting Microsoft and providing enough crumbs from the Redmond feast. The problem in this context is the centralization of information. In this regard, the Microsoft EvNet Dev Team has made available a collection of no less than five gadgets designed to integrate seamlessly with the Windows Vista Sidebar and deliver content from the main videocontent websites focused on the Redmond company.

"Check out this set of Windows Vista Sidebar Gadgets for keeping up to date with the latest content on Channel 8, Channel 9, Channel 10, TechNet Edge, and Mix Online. Features: automatic rotation of latest articles on the site allows you to quickly see what's new and keep up to date without opening a browser, read articles and view videos right on your desktop or navigate directly to the post and the gadgets work with both Silverlight 1.0 as well as the SL 2 beta," revealed Ronan Geraghty, a member of the Developer and Platform Group in Microsoft Ireland.

All the gadgets are delivered free of charge and enable Windows Vista RTM and Windows Vista Service Pack 1 to enjoy videos and news from Channel 8, 9, and 10 as well as TechNet Edge and Mix Online. Out of all five, the item designed for Mix Online is without a doubt hitting a peak of relevance during the conference, usually scheduled at the end of March the beginning of April. Edge Technet is a hotspot aimed at IT professionals and is updated with new content quite frequently.

"Channel 10 covers the latest news in new PC hardware and software, mobile gadgetry, photography, videography, and gaming. Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from the Channel 10 team right on your desktop. (...) Check out the latest videos and news from Channel8.msdn.com, Microsoft's community site for technical students. Covering topics ranging from new programming languages to building a custom PC, C8 is worth a look. (...) Channel 9 is Microsoft's developer community where you can learn about the latest technology and meet the people behind Microsoft products. Watch videos right on your desktop and hear about all the cool, new up-and-coming technologies," read the descriptions of the Sidebar gadgets for Channel 8, 9 and 10.

The Windows Vista RTM and SP1 Sidebar Gadgets are available for download via the following links: Channel 8, Channel 9, Channel 10, TechNet Edge, and Mix Online.