Delta Widgets vs GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack)

Delta Widgets is a free, open-source Windows app for creating desktop widgets without code. Its visual drag-and-drop editor supports built-in templates, layouts made from scratch, custom HTML/CSS, and widgets built from URLs. Widgets can display live time, system statistics, media information, and weather. Preinstalled options include date and time, media controls, an audio visualizer, weather, disks, RAM, CPU, and battery. Expressions and variables insert or format dynamic values in text and images. URL widgets can embed webpages, dashboards, web apps, or online tools, and are sandboxed to display external content only. An optional bring-your-own-key assistant supports OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Ollama, and OpenRouter; the maker says provider keys are encrypted on the device. Compatibility is listed for Windows 10 and Windows 11, with Windows 10 April 2018 or later required. The download page reports anonymous install and widget-enable events through Mixpanel, without personal-data tracking. The project uses the GPL-3.0 license, with documentation, GitHub issues, and Discord support.

GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) brings desktop gadgets to 64-bit Windows 7, 8.1, 10 and 11. It installs a modified version of the Gadget Platform from Windows 7, and lets users add .gadget files. The package includes gadgets such as a sidebar, agenda, clocks, calendar, currency display, CPU meter, drive information and network monitor. Other listed categories include weather, reminders, sticky notes, calculator, volume control, unit conversion and radio. Win+Shift+G displays and switches between gadgets; GadgetPack Tools can optionally assign that function to Win+G. The software is free. Installation requires administrative rights, and both the installer and website are English-only, although many gadgets have other localizations. The site warns that gadgets may contain viruses or trojans, and opening one carries the risk of running an executable file. The developer says the project is maintained in spare time, so replies to feedback can take time.