I just downloaded and installed Konfabulator. It is a neat app that allows you to put "widgets" on your OS X desktop (and to manage them). The widgets are written in Javascript and Konfabulator has been around long enough that there are quite a few nifty little ones to choose from.
First impressions are that they are gorgeous.
I caught a reference in an O'Reilly article that one of Apple's new features in Tiger was a rip-off of Konfabulator. So I thought I might as well and go try the original (not being a developer and so not having early access to Tiger).
There are differing opinions as to whether it is truly a rip-off. Graphically, there is little doubt. But conceptually? That's a more complicated argument. I'm of two minds. I think the only real argument for compensating the developers of Konfabulator is that they (1) have contributed something of value to the OS X community, and (2) combatting the perception that Apple is ripping off its developer community (which may or may not be true).
In public relations terms, I don't think it can be argued that Apple has made a mistake. At 3% market share, that's probably not the wisest course to take. You need all the positive press and enthusiasm amongst your community that you can get.
Notable with regard to the Apple product is that they too are written using Javascript but also HTML and CSS. Toss in the access to the CoreImage technology underlying OS X and you have just enfranchised tens of thousands of Web geeks with the power to develop their own widgets. (Yes, Apple calls their applets widgets as well.)
Note for Gary: they have a special widget just for Gmail users. (You lucky dog.)
Posted by artandscience at July 2, 2004 11:06 AM