CNET Editors' review
The latest version of Yahoo's toolbar drops the word "Engine" from its name and makes customization even easier than before. It also comes with a revamped look. Yahoo Widgets lets you add small standalone applications that can offer an endless variety of features, content, and system functionality.
Twenty-two default widgets are included--including a weather forecaster, a Yahoo Mail manager, a Wi-Fi signal checker, a calendar, and an iTunes remote. Though the true value of the app should be judged on the quality of the widgets developed, the platform itself is polished and easy to use.
A helpful tour introduces users to the basics of widgets, offering up some examples. Adding and removing widgets is simple, and the new widget dock features more personalization options. Most widgets include tweaks such as skinning options. Other new improvements include Windows Alt-Tab menu access and helpful configuration buttons that appear when you mouse over a widget. Unfortunately, the app inserts itself into your start-up programs without asking--but you can fix that in Preferences.
Yahoo Widget 4 is a valuable tool for users of Yahoo services, and it's a helpful download for anyone who wants standalone desktop tools for regular Web activities, system information, or whatever cool feature the next great widget will offer.
Publisher's Description
From Yahoo:
The Yahoo Widget Engine (formerly known as Konfabulator) is a JavaScript runtime engine for Windows and Mac OS X that lets you run little files called Widgets that can do pretty much whatever you want them to. Widgets can be alarm clocks, calculators, can tell you your WiFi signal strength, will fetch the latest stock quotes for your preferred symbols, and even give your current local weather.
Yahoo Widgets 4.5 allows Widget creators to build more awesomeness into their Widgets, including video right on your desktop. Richer, more interactive features can now be built into Widgets, such as games and movie clips. Now you can get more detailed security information about Widget capabilities before you run any new Widget.
What's new in this version: Yahoo Widgets 4.5 allows Widget creators to build more awesomeness into their Widgets, including video right on your desktop. Richer, more interactive features can now be built into Widgets, such as games and movie clips. Now you can get more detailed security information about Widget capabilities before you run any new Widget.
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All versions:
4.1 starsout of 232 votes
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Current version:
3.5 starsout of 40 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"DISCONTINUED!"
Version: Yahoo Widgets 4.5.2
Pros
NONE! BOO to Yahoo!
Cons
Another useful tool discontinued.
Summary
Yahoo closed their widget gallery in April of 2012. I know because I went there to download a widget I had on my old OS and couldn't. Since Microsoft has also decided they don't want to be in the gadget business any more, I feel betrayed, actually. I need to find some kind of something that will provide the same functionality that will be available for the foreseeable future. Anyone got any ideas?
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"Frustrating . . ."
Version: Yahoo Widgets 4.5.2
Pros
Don't have any at this time.
Cons
This was a "required" application for another program I wanted to run, but this one loaded my desktop with "widgets" I didn't want or expect. I couldn't close or remove them. Finally uninstalled the program to get rid of them. Never did get to run the original program.
Summary
Not impressed.
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"Invasive and annoying."
Version: Yahoo Widgets 4.5.2
Pros
Everything you don't need
Cons
Nothing you really want or need, it is annoying and very invasive.
Summary
Unless your a gadget freak, avoid this one.
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"Find it does what it says on the tin.....very good"
Version: Yahoo Widgets 4.5.2
Pros
easy to download /delete
Cons
Can't think of any !!
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"I enjoy and use the widgets often,"
Version: Yahoo Widgets 4.5.2
Pros
They allow me to see what I want without opening a browser.
Cons
They sometime get in my way when I try to close a browser window.
Summary
Good to have and useful.
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"very slow hangs usually on windows7"
Version: Yahoo Widgets 4.5.2
Pros
dont like yahoo
Cons
this software
Summary
can be better if it dosent hangs the system
but this dock slows whole system
look is good -
"A must have"
Version: Yahoo Widgets 4.5.2
Pros
This is really useful indeed
Cons
I see nothing wrong
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"Works as advertised"
Version: Yahoo Widgets 4.5.2
Pros
Simple install.
Cons
Does not like to work with my other widgets - cannot position.
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"I just love it :)"
Version: Yahoo Widgets 4.5.2
Pros
Lots of applications
no problems at allCons
nothing really
Summary
Download it, you won't regret it.
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"works on win 7,went to yahoo 1st,didn't work."
Version: Yahoo Widgets 4.5.2
Pros
love widgets,calendar and weather and wall street mkt.
Cons
no real cons
Summary
handy and convenient
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