What is a widget or gadget?

Small interactive applications that provide complex audiovisual information extracted from a specific web page and move to the location where they have been installed. Originally developed to facilitate desktop access to frequently used functions such as dictionaries, calculators, weather forecasts, etc. The viral potential of such tools has consolidated their position as distribution channels for advertising content. For advertisers they constitute direct and permanent communication platforms with consumers, that enable them to forge lasting connections with a brand.

Many advertising networks employ widgets (some platforms such as AdWords and AdSense call them gadgets) in traditional website advertising spaces; the user can choose the option to subscribe to and include a widget from any category on their page, blog or social network by using a free and simple code, in which case content is not considered to be invasive.

Unlike conventional formats, designed for campaigns, a widget is more permanent in nature, and its use of (RSS, Atom etc.) syndication technology, enables advertisers to periodically distribute updated information; whereby users can be informed of offers and promotions by different businesses, access chat rooms, complete questionnaires, listen to musical launches, or access news published in real-time.

Acronym or abbreviation:
Widget: Window Gadget

Other denominations:
Gadget

 
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