Desktop Widgets

[secondtruth]

I propose the addition of desktop widget functionality to Puter, similar to the "Gadgets" found in Windows 7 back in the days. This would allow users to add customizable widgets directly onto their Puter desktops, such as clocks, weather displays, gauges and graphs, as well as quick access tools.

Details

The proposed desktop widget system would operate within a sidebar or as standalone elements that can be freely placed on the desktop. The users may decide which display mode they like.

The widgets could include:

• Clock and Calendar: Display current time and date information.
• Weather Display: Show live weather updates and forecasts.
• Gauges, Graphs, Monitors: Provide real-time stats about system resources, etc.
• Quick Notes: Allow users to write down notes and pin them on the desktop for easy access.
• Quick Links Links to favorite settings, folders, apps, etc.

Implementation would require the development of a widget API and/or an iframe solution, that allows both the core development team and third-party developers to create and distribute their own widgets.

The intent is to enhance both the customizability and the functionality of the desktop, making it more interactive and appealing.

Potential Future Enhancements

• Development of a widget store where users can download new widgets.
• Support for animated and interactive backgrounds that integrate with widget functionalities.

References

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Desktop_Gadgets
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Gadgets
• https://8gadgetpack.net

[Mandeep0001]

Good work

[KernelDeimos]

I like this idea. Here are some important considerations that come to mind:

• widgets should be apps
  • we have two options:
    • decouple iframe from UIWindow
      • requires refactor
      • only works if iframes can have transparent backgrounds
    • some kind of pseudo-"canvas api" with event listeners
      • needs to be very restrictive for security reasons
      • more complex than iframe approach
• TODO: finish list later (something came up)

[AtkinsSJ]

Maybe widgets could be a special kind of UIWindow that doesn't show a title bar, and remains at a low zindex, etc? They have a lot in common I think.

I believe iframes can be transparent, too.

[secondtruth]

I believe iframes can be transparent, too.

I found a good article about this topic: https://fvsch.com/transparent-iframes.

[Zac0511]

This is a very cool idea. Widgets would be cool.