Google Desktop Search application adds a nifty sidebar to your desktop with miniature applications called Gadgets (others probably call it as widgets). Similarly, there are iGoogle gadgets which can be added to your iGoogle Homepage. Newbies often confuse between these two types of gadgets. Google realized this and decided to break the wall between these two types of gadgets.
The new Google Desktop 5.5 Beta lets you run desktop gadgets on your iGoogle homepage. In other words, you’ll be able to keep an eye on your desktop gadgets from iGoogle. For instance, you can see your wireless signal strength or control your music with Media Player Remote.
Installing desktop gadgets to your iGoogle Homepage is just like how you install other iGoogle gadgets. Browse the iGoogle Content Directory to find interesting gadgets, and then try installing them by click on the “Add it now” button. Please keep in mind that these gadgets want Google Desktop to be installed in your computer, otherwise they won’t work.
Other new features seen in Google Desktop Search 5.5 are improved Outlook search and the ability to open same gadgets several times.
I think it’s pretty awesome to be able to control gadgets from your browser, which otherwise need to communicate with your computer. Neat integration between two odd services, but creepy because third party gadgets might misuse this feature.
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