Abstract: A user interface application, such as a sidebar application or web page, receives content from a set of plug-in modules. The user interface handles the display of the content and manages any user interaction with the content, thus abstracting these features from the plug-in modules. The plug-in modules may thus be device-independent and possibly used to display the same or corresponding content in other interfaces and/or other devices. One or more of the plug-in modules may also be designed to obtain and populate their content automatically based on user activity, including web browsing or interactions with documents on the local system.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for extending a gadget. During operation, the system initially executes a gadget extension which extends a host gadget. In doing so, the system obtains from the gadget extension a specifier for the host gadget and a specifier for an interface. Next, the system establishes a communication interface between the gadget extension and the host gadget through the interface. Finally, the system uses functionality of the host gadget within the gadget extension via communication through the communication interface.

Abstract: A user interface application, such as a sidebar application or web page, receives content from a set of plug-in modules. The user interface handles the display of the content and manages any user interaction with the content, thus abstracting these features from the plug-in modules. The plug-in modules may thus be device-independent and possibly used to display the same or corresponding content in other interfaces and/or other devices. One or more of the plug-in modules may also be designed to obtain and populate their content automatically based on user activity, including web browsing or interactions with documents on the local system.