Gadgets are cool little mini-programs that you can add to your web site, blog, Facebook, MySpace or iGoogle page. They are Google's version of widgets or web parts. Until now, you had to know a bit of programming to create one, but not any more. Google has designed some gadget templates that will enable you to make your very own gadget in just a few clicks!
Frame Photo enables you to create a small photo album that your friends and family can drag and drop into their own web sites or iGoogle pages.
Google Gram allows you to create a series of seven phrases, one for each day of the week. They are displayed with a changing picture. By default, you will get a cat-looking creature holding one to seven balloons, but other images are available such as a growing tree.
Gadget Example: Google Gram
Daily Me is a sort of micro-blogging or status update gadget (like Twitter), except your status updates are answers to a limited set of pre-defined questions. If your friends and family install this gadget, they will get updates about you every time you update your gadget.
Free Form is an all-purpose gadget, allowing you to include almost anything.
Gadget Example: Free Form
YouTube Channel is a small video player gadget where you can include up to 10 videos from YouTube.
Gadget Example: YouTube Channel
Personal List is a sticky-note gadget that is Open Social-enabled. That means you can share this list with your family and friends (through iGoogle) and you can all leave each other messages or keep a to-do list.
Count Down simply counts down to a specific event.
Although some of these gadgets are somewhat limited, they will at least allow you to create and share gadgets in a flash. When you are ready to move on to the next level, you can start reading the Google Gadgets API to learn how to make your own gadgets from scratch.
On a final note, if you do make your own gadgets, be sure to publish them to the Google Gadgets Directory. Ego warning: Ten days after submission, the whole world will be able to use your gadgets, thus making you world famous!