Arlo Rose and Perry Clarke have released Konfabulator 1.0, a new JavaScript runtime engine for Mac OS X that lets you run files called Widgets. Widgets can do pretty much anything you want them to, according to the developers, from simple utilities like alarm clocks to games to AirPort signal strength, stock quote grabs and more.
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What’s more, Konfabulator supports Apple’s Quartz rendering, so Widgets can blend with the desktop and other applications that support Quartz. The developers have kept the format for Widgets completely open, so any JavaScript mavens are welcome to try their hand at creating Widgets of their own.
Konfabulator’s makers also hope the software will appeal to “skinning” fans — people who are looking for ways to customize the look and feel of their Macs. It’s no wonder — Konfabulator maker Arlo Rose, an alumnus of Apple’s own Human Interface Design Center, was one of the people behind the legendary “Classic” Mac OS software Kaleidoscope, and also worked on the Mac OS Appearance Manager.
Konfabulator is now available for download, and the download version includes a number of included Widgets. Konfabulator costs US$25 to register.