Developer Contest: Google Desktop Gadgets

The Google Desktop Team just announced a Google Desktop Gadget Contest! The Desktop blog has the details, but here are a few highlights:

• The contest runs through July 31 (winners will be announced August 21)
• Everyone who submits a published Gadget will get a limited edition Google Desktop Developer T-shirt (there are other Google-y prizes too)
• Top prizes: $5,000 for 1st place, $2,000 for 2nd place, and $1,000 for 3rd place
• Primary judging criteria: popularity, visual appeal, use of new features (such as transparency/animation, Google Talk API integration, personalization, etc.)

And be sure to check out the Google Desktop Gadget Designer, a new IDE and WYSIWYG UI creator for making Google Desktop Gadgets.