DeskDash vs GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack)
DeskDash
desktop-dashboard.com
GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack)
gadgetpack.netSide by side
| Figure | DeskDash | GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Desktop Widget Software | 7.6 (#12) | 7.6 (#14) |
| Privacy | The privacy policy says the app has no analytics or crash reporting software, while license checks and marketplace requests send specified data to DeskDash servers. | The website collects log-file data such as IP address, browser type, ISP, visit times, referring pages and click patterns for analysis and site administration. |
| Purpose | DeskDash places live, interactive widgets on the Windows desktop wallpaper, where they sit behind normal windows. | GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) makes it possible to use Gadgets on Windows 11 and Windows 10. |
| Support | DeskDash is built by one developer, and messages sent through the contact link reach that developer directly; the site also links to Discord. | The developer says the project is developed and supported in spare time and that replies to feedback can take quite some time. |
Plans
In their own words
DeskDash
DeskDash has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack)
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.