Introducing New Tab Widgets: A Customizable Productivity Dashboard for Your Browser
Are you looking for a versatile and personalized start page that enhances your daily productivity? I’m excited to share a project I’ve dedicated over four years to developing—a comprehensive new tab extension designed to turn your browser’s start page into a powerful, customizable dashboard.
What Is It?
Initially created to control my Philips Hue lighting setup directly from a new tab, this extension has grown into an extensible platform packed with useful widgets and features. Built as a Chrome extension, it transforms your new tab page into a hub tailored to your needs.
Key Features and Functionality
- Customizable Iframe Widgets
- Embed content from any webpage by targeting a specific element with a CSS selector.
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For example, I display GitHub issues from a repository and a Yahoo Finance stock ticker side by side.
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Essential Widgets
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Weather forecasts, world clocks, bookmark groups, and sticky notes for quick notes and reminders.
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Smart Philips Hue Integration
- Control individual lights or entire groups with scene and toggle widgets.
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Change light colors, switch scenes, and manage lighting effects via context menus.
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Quick Access for Gaming
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Launch your favorite Steam games or apps directly from the new tab interface.
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Powerful Search Functionality
- Multiple search engine options.
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Local search history for quick reference.
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Calendar Connectivity
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Seamlessly integrate with Google Calendar to keep track of your schedules.
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Flexible Widget Configuration
- JSON-based customization for advanced users.
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Style your dashboard with custom CSS.
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User-Friendly Features
- An optional welcome screen appearing upon first load for ease of setup.
Availability
The extension, named New Tab Widgets, is currently accessible for Chromium-based browsers through the Chrome Web Store. You can check it out here:
Download from Chrome Web Store
More Information
Learn more about the project and explore its capabilities on the official website:
Your Feedback Matters
As a developer, I initially crafted this tool for my own use, but I believe it can be highly beneficial for others seeking a tailored browser experience. I would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or any feedback—especially from the web development community. Feel free to
