Breaking Out of the Browser

Got Vista? Then check out these two Live Search gadgets for your Vista Sidebar and stop waiting for that browser to load! Today we’re announcing the launch of two new gadgets that bring some of the most popular Live Search services directly to your desktop:

 

Live Search Gadget – [Download]

 

 Live Search Gadget

 

This lightweight gadget uses a web service to fetch your search results and render them directly in the widget for the fastest search results. Be sure to check out the gadget settings panel to configure up to two additional custom searches. In the picture above you can see that I’m using a craigslist.org macro in addition to web search. You can create your own macros or, find one in the gallery. 

 

 

Live Search Traffic Gadget – [Download]

 

Live Search Traffic Map

 

Don’t get stuck in gridlock or be late to your next appointment. Traffic by Live Search Maps is a quick and simple way to see real-time traffic conditions in your area. Shortcuts to driving directions, local search or full-screen traffic view on maps.live.com are also easily available from the gadget. Metro area traffic is currently supported for these cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington DC.

 

Give it a try and let us know what you think, should we be providing more out-of-browser experiences?

 

Nathan Buggia, Live Search Marketer

 

BTW – Installing a Vista Sidebar gadget couldn’t be easier, just click on the links to go the the gallery page. They click the “download” button. Then Vista will ask you if you’d like to install the gadget, and you should be good to go. Click here for more information on the Vista Sidebar.