Google has been releasing new stuff left and right. Sure Google Talk is cool, but what about that new Google Sidebar. Though Sidebar (and Google Desktop) is currently Windows only that will not stop development. Sidebar features user customizable panels and a full API for creating your own plug-ins. Unfortunately that API is based on the Microsoft Windows Component Object (COM) and may be something Flash developers don’t want to deal with. Then how do we get into plug-in development? Via Flash and the ActiveX plug-in display. Sidebar’s settings include a Panels and Alerts box. You can view the ActiveX plug-ins installed on your machine (including Flash) by:

1. Click the menu arrow button at the top of Sidebar
2. Select “Add/Remove Panels…”
3. Check the “Show ActiveX plug-ins…” box
4. Check the box next to “Shockwave Flash Object” (and other plug-ins if you want)
5. Click OK.

Now to add your Flash file to the Sidebar. Click the down arrow on the new panel and select Options to view the Flash panel’s properties. If you’re using an online Flash file type its URL into the Movie URL box (the file path should also work here). Select Quality and other properties to change the display. Click OK and see your Flash in the sidebar. Now you can use a Flash-based RSS reader or a Flash mp3 player or a Flash anything inside your sidebar. Plus Flash developers now have and easy in for all Sidebar users, all we need is someone to make a panel creation plug-in that asks for a URL and automatically inserts our Flash.

Click through for Disclaimer and screen shots via the Wireless Weblog.

Disclaimer: I found out all my Sidebar and Google Desktop information via the Google Desktop page, the Unofficial Google Weblog, Mike Outmesguine of the Wireless Weblog and the Google Group devoted to Google Desktop Plug-ins. I do not have Google Desktop installed personally. Screen shots below:

Add new Panel to sidebar

Flash panel properties

FlashInsider logo in Sidebar