Introducing New Tab Widgets: A Fully Customizable Productivity Dashboard for Your Browser
Are you looking for a way to enhance your browser experience with a personalized and functional start page? I’m excited to share my latest project—a comprehensive and flexible new tab dashboard extension designed to boost your productivity and streamline your daily routines.
Background and Inspiration
What began as a simple tool to manage Philips Hue lighting from a fresh tab has grown into a versatile, intuitive dashboard that I now rely on every day. Over the past four years, I’ve continuously refined its features to create a cohesive environment that integrates various tools, widgets, and customizations—tailored to my needs and now available for others to enjoy.
Key Features and Functionalities
- Embed Custom Iframes
- Easily display external content by targeting specific web elements through CSS selectors.
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For example, I use it to showcase live GitHub issues and a Yahoo Finance stock ticker, turning my new tab into a dynamic information hub.
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Essential Widgets
- Weather forecasts
- Multiple clocks
- Bookmark groups and individual links
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Sticky notes for quick reminders
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Smart Home Integration
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Full control over Philips Hue lights:
- Scene and group management
- Lighting controls including on/off/toggle, color adjustments, and scene switching via context menu
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Entertainment Shortcuts
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Launch your favorite Steam games or applications directly from the new tab for quick access.
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Powerful Search Capabilities
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Multi-engine search support with the ability to browse your local search history.
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Calendar and Scheduling
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Integration with Google Calendar for seamless planning and event tracking.
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Customizable and Extensible
- Use JSON configurations to add personalized widgets.
- Apply custom CSS for design adjustments.
- Optional welcome screen upon opening for a friendly start.
Availability and Access
Currently, New Tab Widgets is available for Chromium-based browsers through the Chrome Web Store. You can explore and install it here:
For more information and updates, visit the official website:
Final Thoughts
This project started as a personal tool, but I believe it has the potential to help others streamline their workflows and personalize their browsing experience. I’d love to
