JavaScript Apps in Your MP3 Player and TV: Opera SDK for Devices Will Include Widgets

JavaScriptSearch
Tuesday, May 30, 2006; 02:56 AM

The Opera Software Development Kit for Devices will include Web-based Widgets in its next version, Opera 9 for Devices. Widgets can now be delivered to devices such as TVs, set-top boxes, portable media players or even game consoles. Opera's Widgets for devices are expected to be available to device manufacturers and operators in the third quarter of 2006.

Widgets are small programs that are created using Web standards including AJAX, HTML, JavaScript, XML, CSS, DOM, RSS, SVG and Canvas, and appear as stand alone applications that can be viewed in partial or full screen mode. Able to present both online and offline content, Widgets can power the user interfaces for unique Web applications or Web services from content providers directly to connected devices, without having to write native code such as C++.

"Widgets open the door for advanced Web-based dynamic content, services and promotions on a wide range of devices," says Scott Hedrick, Executive Vice President for Devices, Opera Software. "Through these Web-based applications end users can view content and services incorporating the latest weather, sports, news headlines, TV guide information or casual gaming. Desktops users have already discovered the wonders of Widgets, now it's time to bring them beyond the PC."

Opera for Devices is based on the same core engine as the desktop Opera browser.  Recently Opera Software announced that theirs will be the browser of choice for Nintendo's nex gen Wii gaming console.