Deadline Extended for Google Desktop Gadget Contest

"Show the world how cool your ideas and code are."

JavaScriptSearch
Friday, July 21, 2006; 02:17 AM

Google has extended the deadline for its Desktop Gadget Contest, giving aspiring web developers and programmers the chance to compete for monetary awards, Google T-shirts, and recognition.  The contestants must submit their gadgets, or mini-apllications that deliver content from the internet to the desktop, before August 14th 2006.  Google said the extension is due to high interest in the competition.

A panel of judges will award three prizes based on popularity, visual appeal, use of new features and creativity. The first winner will be awarded $5,000, $2,000 will be given for second place, and $1,000 for third place. Winners will be announced on September 5th on the Google Desktop Blog. 

For the contest, Google recommended the use of its Google Desktop Software Development Kit (SDK).  The development kit is geared for adding features  to the Google Desktop Search application.  The SDK contains sample code and documentation for using the Google Deksop APIs (via COM and HTTP/XML), and allows developers to code in a variety of programming languages, including JavaScript, Visual Studio .NET, Perl, and Python. 

The Google Desktop SDK contains a WYSIWYG editor, designed specifically for gadget prototyping, design and testing.  It simplifies the creation of user interfaces via a simple drag and drop inteface, in addition to simplifying tasks like writing XML definitions. Links to downloads, tutorials, and discussion groups are available at http://desktop.google.com/developer.html. 

Submitting a gadget early raises the chances of getting a free Google T-shirt.  The company noted that Google-branded apparel has been observed to serve as aphrodisiac in the right circles.  Additionally, winning the contest is expected to make you look good in the eyes of Google's HR people.