Google Gadget Center Launched

Google quietly launched a Gadget Center for its gadget developers that would "guide you through all the steps needed to make your gadget a success".

iGoogle Compound Gadget Fixed

Over the past few weeks, users of the iGoogle compound gadget has reported instances where child gadgets within disappears. The problem is now fixed and the developer behind even improved the gadget so that you could actually edit the settings and rename tabs of child gadgets by clicking on the drop down menu in each tab. Add it back to iGoogle:

Also, iGoogle launched a theme directory and opened up a Themes API that lets you create your own customized designs for iGoogle. Here are some program policies that you might want to keep in mind before designing a new theme:

1. The search box and related links may not be moved or removed from the iGoogle page.
2. Don’t mimic or resemble Windows/Mac/Unix dialogue boxes or error messages.

10 Reasons to Use Gmail

When you click on the 'About Gmail' link in the Gmail homepage, you will noticed top ten reasons why (Google thinks) you should use Gmail. Some of these reasons have been (are) featured on the homepage already (marked in *):

1. You don't like spam. Neither do we.*

Don't waste time with junk mail and unwanted messages. Gmail blocks spam before it gets to your inbox. If an unwanted message ever finds its way through, you can fight back by reporting it and help make our spam filters even better. Learn more

Watch a video to see how we combat spam.

2. Search your mail instantly*

Use Google search within Gmail to find the exact message you want, no matter when it was sent or received. You don't have to spend time sorting your email, just search for a message when you need it and we'll find it for you.

3. Organize replies into conversations

With Gmail, each message you send is grouped with all the responses you receive. This conversation view continues to grow as new replies arrive, so you can always see your messages in context.

4. Chat is built right in*

With just one click, you can chat in Gmail with the people you already email. You can even reply to an email by chat. And Gmail can archive all of your chats, making them searchable, so you never lose any valuable information.

5. Labels, filters, and stars...oh my!

Gmail uses labels to help you organize with more flexibility. A conversation can have several labels, so you're not forced to choose one particular folder for messages. You can also create filters to automatically manage incoming mail. Starring messages is another way you can organize your inbox. Plus, it looks pretty.

6. Get your mail on the go*

The days of needing your computer to get to your inbox are long gone. You can now use Gmail on your mobile device to access your email from anywhere.

7. Lots of space (and counting)*

We're always working to increase the amount of free storage we offer in Gmail, and if you want even more, you can always purchase additional space. With all that space, you can archive instead of deleting messages, so they won't clutter your inbox but will remain searchable in case you ever need them again.

8. We have ads, but only the good kind

With Gmail, you'll never see pop-ups or untargeted banner ads. Instead we display text ads and related links you might find useful and interesting. Learn more about how seriously we protect your privacy.

9. Save time

Take advantage of Quick Contacts and Keyboard Shortcuts in Gmail to get through your email even faster. And don't forget that you can quickly find messages using Gmail's search feature powered by Google search technology.

10. All this is free?

Yep.

Gmail has been testing with different homepage designs recently and spam prevention has been the most stressed feature replacing the 'infinity + 1' storage that used to make Gmail stands out.

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