Google bolsters Web Elements capability

11.12.2009
Google expanded its Google Web Elements mechanism for embedding Google products onto a Web site this week, adding three Web Elements and other enhancements, according to the .

Introduced in May and powered by developer APIs, has enabled developers to add applications such as Google Calendar, Google Custom Search, and Google News to sites.

Among the new Web Elements is  a Translate element, which offers capabilities of Google Translate for translating Web pages and text into different languages.

"The Translate element enables visitors to automatically translate your pages into their native language, extending the reach of your Web site to a global audience," said Christine Tsai of the Google Web Elements Team.

A Reader Element embeds headlines from recent shared items from Google Reader, which keeps track of favorite Web sites.  An Orkut Share element enables visitors to share pages from a site on the Orkut social networking site.

In addition to the new elements, new login integration links Google Web Elements to a Google account. "By logging in (if you're not logged in already), you'll be able to more easily select your Calendar, Presentation, or Spreadsheet in creating your element.  Login is also required to personalize your Reader element," Tsai said.

Also, the look and feel of the Custom Search Element can be adjusted without coding.  Previously, knowledge of JavaScript and CSS were required. A document selector capability in the Google Web Elements Web site enables searching through data when creating a Calendar, Presentation or Spreadsheet element.