Collecta.com delivers real-time, streaming news stories about the web’s most popular topics.
Collecta.com also now offers a cool, fully customizable widget that delivers the real-time streaming content that you want. The information is delivered in a top down format with the newest information appearing at the top. This widget is similar to the Twitter widget that is offered directly from Twitter. In fact, the Twitter widget in the sidebar of Widgetslab is where I saw a tweet about the Collecta widget that inspired me to write about it.
I created a quick “Google” topic Collecta widget for display purposes. You can imagine how fast the results poured in.
You can pause and un-pause the flow of information in this widget with one click. This is a cool feature if you plan to have a very active topic. A pause button would be a welcome feature for the Twitter widget. (hint, hint Twitter)
One thing I did notice is that Collecta widget allows you to use your own CSS to customize the widget. This is a bit geeky for most users. But the custom CSS option offers you unprecedented control over the appearance of the widget. I personally would prefer that you could choose to either use your own CSS or choose some simple border colors from a palette. (maybe a future option)
Collecta says:
The Collecta Widget Builder lets you make a widget for use in your website. Fill in the fields below, click “Build Widget” and preview the result at right. If you like what you see, grab the code and use it in your site. If not, edit the fields and build again until you are happy with the result.
So, if you are interested in having the latest information on any given topic, displayed right on your site…check out http://widget.collecta.com/
Creating a Slidecast with Slideshare is a great way to integrate PowerPoint presentations and audio tracks. The end result is a more powerful presentation that can easily be shared multiple different ways.
Emailing this presentation couldn’t be easier. just click on the email icon at the bottom of your Slidecast, enter your name and the email address of the intended recipient and click send. There is also a handy URL provided for pasting into an IM.
Slidecasting is a new multimedia format for viewing slide decks synchronized with an audio file. It is for conference talks, musical slideshows, audio picture books or whatever else you can imagine.
Meebo, the sweet multi-network chat app/widget/desktop platform has just released a cool iPhone app that will allow you to chat across multiple IM networks.
Just to name a few networks: AIM, Yahoo!, Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber ( I see Facebook too!)
But thats just the beginning…
You can use Meebo to connect instantly with your website visitors in real time via the new Meebo iPhone app. (it’s FREE!)
If you haven’t allready…sign up for a Meebo account!
Then…simply add the the Meebome widget to your site…install the Meebo iPhone app (and sign in with your Meebo account) and you are golden!
Start interacting with your site visitors instantly, via your iPhone and create your very own social network in real time.
If you are on any other mobile OS with web access, you can simply point your browser to www.meebo.com and sign in to access the full featured Meebo mobile. (…and you will be able to chat with your website visitors…in real time!)
I have to give thanks to LifeHacker for the scoop!
As you can see, the widget is a simple yet powerful tool that can quickly build your Buzz audience. Readers of your site can easily follow you or even comment on your buzzes.
This widget is so easy to setup! Just enter your Google Profile name, click the “Create Widget” button and then copy your code.
The widget obviously cannot display comments to your buzzes due to size constraints. (Robert Scoble comments number in the hundreds)
I think a comment counter on each post would be a nice feature that would definitely increase the likelihood of reader interaction.
This is a JavaScript widget, so there may be some restrictions on where you can place it. However, JavaScript does make it iPad/iPod friendly…if thats what you’re into.
