Are you ready for the Windows Vista Gadget Fest!? Because innovative applications designed to integrate seamlessly with the operating system will start being delivered concomitantly with Vista's customer availability on January 30, 2006. Third-party gadgets and novel applications designed for Vista will be available for the operating system and in a manner similar to the widgets for Mac OS. The functionality will extend to searching, connectivity and information access. According to Microsoft, the gadgets will bring to life the technology advances in Vista. Microsoft promised that miniapplications from ultra-realistic 3-D programs to innovative new-media applications will be offered as gadgets.

"These partner gadgets and programs will offer people a more interactive, visually engaging computing experience - the Windows Vista experience," said Tom Caputo, group product manager for the Windows Client Group at Microsoft. "The industry partners that developed these innovative applications are among the first to realize the potential of Windows Vista to deliver information, entertain and educate people in new ways."

Microsoft revealed that a first set of gadgets will deliver additional web services to the desktop. Via Web services technology, the Vista desktop will receive live, persistent online content and data. All the gadgets will be integrated in the Windows Sidebar, the new pane introduced in Windows.

"A broad range of industry partners has taken advantage of the advanced graphics and the new Windows Aero user experience in Windows Vista to create high-definition, animated programs and Web sites," revealed Microsoft. In this regard, Vista users will be able to enjoy the added Wow factor of the operating system, make presentations, access sporting contents, share digital media or even shop.