GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) vs Monitor Flows

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.

Monitor Flows provides customizable desktop widgets that stay visible while users switch between apps. Its library has more than 50 widgets across nine categories, with examples including weather forecasts, terminal emulators, color pickers, and 3D globes. A drag-and-drop editor arranges and resizes widgets, while settings adjust opacity, blur, accent colors, themes, and backgrounds. Video can keep playing, radio can keep streaming, and web pages can stay loaded as users switch pages. The listed integrations include Spotify, Google Assistant, Philips Hue, Discord, YouTube, GitHub, Twitch, Steam, Slack, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, WLED, and OpenWeather. The app supports Windows 10 and 11, including Home and Pro editions; macOS and Linux support are being explored for the 2026 roadmap. Free includes 15 core widgets, three pages, and five themes, with no time limit or credit card. Pro costs $3 a month; Max costs $49 a year. The FAQ says credentials and configurations are stored locally and that the product collects no telemetry, usage analytics, or personal information.