Do you want to help your Google Gadget see the world? So do we! Import your Google Gadget to Widgetbox and watch it spread further than ever before.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Google Gadget import process work?
Widgetbox examines your Gadget’s XML code and uses it to create a new Widgetbox widget. You can change your imported Gadget’s code and configuration parameters before publishing it to the Widgetbox Gallery.
Access My Widgets -> Developed Widgets -> Import a Google Gadget to get started. You can give Widgetbox your Gadget’s XML URL or the actual XML code.
Will my imported Gadget require change?
Most imported Gadgets will function without change. But, in some situations you will need to update an imported Gadget to be compatible with Widgetbox.
When will my imported Gadget require change?
If your Gadget uses Google Gadget “feature libraries” it might require modification. These JavaScript libraries can’t be used outside of the Google environment, including those supporting Google’s OpenSocial standard. A list of these libraries can be found here.
Additionally, we can’t guarantee that these libraries are the only ones that require change: each Gadget is unique. However, we do believe that the import process will give you a significant head start in getting your Gadget compatible with Widgetbox.
What if my Gadget uses the Google Maps API?
Many Widgetbox widgets successfully use the Maps API. However, if your original Gadget is defined as “html” or “html-inline”, you need to update the imported Gadget’s Maps API key.
Each Maps API key is unique to the application (widget) and server hosting it. Gadgets defined as “html” or “html-inline” are imported as hosted Widgetbox widgets. This means a Widgetbox server, not a Google server is now the host. Therefore, you’ll need a Widgetbox-friendly Maps API key.
- Access the Google Maps API key sign-up page.
- Click the check box next to I have read and agree with the terms and conditions.
- Enter the Widgetbox widget server, http://www.widgetserver.com, in the My web site URL: field.
- Click Generate API Key to create a Widgetbox-friendly Maps API key.
- Update the Maps API key used by your imported Gadget.
What if my Gadget uses Google Analytics?
You can use Google Analytics or Widgetbox Metrics to track the success of your imported Gadget.
Widgetbox Metrics are integrated with each widget. In addition to basic metrics you can monitor the social networks, sites, and blogs your widget lives on and whether users get your widget through the Widgetbox Gallery or virally on the web.
If you continue to use Google Analytics and your original Gadget uses the “analytics” feature library, you’ll need to update your imported Gadget to include a Google Analytics script tag.
How do I turn my imported Google Gadget into a Facebook Application?
Widgetbox allows you to quickly turn a widget into a Facebook Application. After successfully importing your Gadget, review the App Accelerator for Facebook documentation.
Google provides a library that allows my Gadget to proxy content from an external website. Does Widgetbox offer a similar feature?
Yes. Instructions on how to use the Widgetbox proxy can be found here.
My Google Gadget is using an API not mentioned in this document. Will I need to update my imported Gadget to be compatible with Widgetbox?
Each API is different. Consult the documentation related to the API you’re using.
I am having difficulty importing my Google Gadget. Can you help me?
Yes. Visit our discussion forums or send an email to support at widgetbox.com. We’re here to help you be successful and spread your widget across the web!
