14 DAY TRIAL // I guess most of our readers have heard at least once the term "widget", though I do believe most of you actually use them on a large scale. However, for those of you who haven't yet encountered this term, the simplest of definitions is that widgets are small, user-friendly applications that can perform a variety of tasks. And although - up until now - most widgets were clearly restricted to PC or Mac use, a company called Emtrace Technologies has just developed a very special device called WidgetStation that allows users to run widgets independently of any computer system.
Thus, the WidgetStation is nothing more than a desk clock capable of running a variety of widgets, either provided by the manufacturer or created by the user. It's most important quality is that we're talking about a standalone device, with services available via Wi-Fi or Ethernet Internet access, without being connected to a computer, or by a USB connection, if the aforementioned connectivity methods are not available. The device even comes with a remote control, and runs on Linux Kernel 2.6X, which probably means that the users won't be able to upload Windows-based widgets.
Here's a list of the most important features and specifications this device has to offer:
- processor: ARM9; - operating system: Linux Kernel 2.6X; - remote control: infrared remote control; - Ethernet connection: 10Base-T (10Mbps); - Wi-Fi connection: 802.11b/g (optional); - audio: stereo ear jack / speaker; - display: dual 2.5" (TFT Color & B/W).
The WidgetStation has just been presented at CES 2007 and - according to the company - it will become available for the general public starting June 2007.
We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is 
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