Duckboard vs GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack)

Duckboard is a desktop app for turning selected website sections into live, interactive widgets arranged in dashboards. Users can capture parts of websites or build custom widgets with HTML or embed code. Its preset library contains more than 1,900 options, with examples for YouTube, X, weather and productivity tools. The site also shows dashboard examples for morning, learning, building and finance workflows, and describes the app as private by design. Downloads are available for macOS and Windows: Mac support covers Apple silicon chips M1, M2, M3, M4 or newer, as well as Intel-based Macs; the Windows download is for 64-bit Windows 10 and 11 PCs. The download page says the app is free to download and requires no sign-up or credit card. The Free plan includes one dashboard, up to three widgets and email support. Extended is a one-time upgrade costing $29 as a one-time purchase, with one dashboard, unlimited widgets and email 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.