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iGoogle

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iGoogle
Developer(s)Google
PlatformWeb browsers
TypeWeb Gadgets
Websitehttp://www.google.com/ig

iGoogle (formerly Google Personalized Homepage), a service of Google, is a customizable AJAX-based startpage much like Netvibes, Pageflakes, My Yahoo! and Microsoft Live. It was originally launched in May 2005. Its features include the capability to add web feeds and Google Gadgets (similar to those available on Google Desktop).

It was renamed and expanded on April 30, 2007 and is currently available in many localized versions of Google (42 languages, over 70 country domain names, as of October 17, 2007).[1] [2]

As of April 18, 2008, Google has adopted the iGoogle page as its general user start page.

Features

Gadgets

iGoogle supports the use of specially developed "gadgets" to display content on a user's page. The gadgets interact with the user and utilize the Google Gadgets API. Some gadgets developed for Google Desktop can also be used within iGoogle. The Google Gadgets API is public and allows anyone to develop a gadget for any need.

Google also allows all users to create a special gadget that does not require the use of the Gadgets API. The gadgets are designed to be shared with friends and family. The special gadgets must be created using an online wizard and must be of one of the following types:

  • "Framed Photo" - displays a series of photos,
  • "GoogleGram" - creation of special daily messages,
  • "Daily Me" - displays user's current mood and feelings,
  • "Free Form" - allows the user to input text and an image of their choice,
  • "YouTube Channel" - displays videos from a YouTube channel,
  • "Personal List" - allows the user to create a list of items,
  • "Countdown" - countdown timer


Themes

iGoogle with beach theme.

With iGoogle, users can select unique themes for one's Google homepage. Some of the themes are animated depending on weather conditions, the time in your area (It asks you for your location upon selecting a theme), and so on. There are also Easter eggs for the themes, for example, in the Sweet Dreams theme, at 3:14 am, a Pi sign made of stars will appear. In the Beach theme, at 3:14 am, the Loch Ness Monster appears. These last for only one minute. The sky darkens/lightens throughout the day, depending on the time.

There are many other easter eggs, which can be found here http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2007/03/easter-egg-in-google-personalized.html or by following the instructions here: http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2007/03/themes-for-google-personalized-homepage.html#5882745887379567645

Artist Themes

On Wednesday, April 9 (2008), Google allegedly began offering a choice of themes by professional artists. However, the link they placed on their website (see here: [1]) led nowhere, and was removed a few minutes after having been added.[3] The themes are now operational.[4]

References

  1. ^ "iGoogle in 42 languages". Retrieved 2008-03-19.
  2. ^ "Google Web Search Help Center". Retrieved 2007-06-17.
  3. ^ http://digg.com/design/iGoogle_Artist_Themes
  4. ^ http://www.google.com/help/ig/art/gallery.html


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