Cobalt Box widgets are written in plain old HTML, CSS and JavaScript (or a combination thereof). This code will be submitted to Cobalt Box and categorised by the developer. Following that, every time a user of the plugin loads a page the Cobalt Box platform will decide whether the widget is relevant to the page and should appear. As such, if, for example, a developer wants to design a widget displaying information regarding Macs, the platform will ensure it appears in pages relevant to the Apple products.

If the widget is deemed relevant to be displayed its code is compiled at our servers and passed to the plugin. The plugin is responsible for rendering the result within the particular frame the widget has been allocated. Currently, widgets come in a single size and shape and are placed at a single spot, i.e. a rectangular banner at the top of the page. Future releases of the plugin will allow for alternative shapes and locations on the webpage. The aim is to eventually be able to place a widget anywhere on the page the developer wishes.

Along with the three above languages a developer can optionally include a number of Cobalt Box-specific functions. These functions will allow developers to tap on Cobalt Box's page-related database and use its data in their widget. Obviously, any other web service with an API that can be called from within JavaScript can also be used to enrich a widget's content. This way, the possibilities of what a widget may display are endless.




Absolutely! We are currently looking for eager developers who would like to take a crack at creating their own widgets. Although our system for widget submition and the relevant help files are not ready yet, we will work closely with any developer who braves the Cobalt Box platform.

Currently, there is a single widget as a proof of concept being delivered bundled with the Mozilla Firefox plugin: Parallel Links. The widget appears by default in all webpages (i.e. no selection takes place based on its content) and in particular as a box at the top of the website.

If you would like to learn more regarding the platform and its potential, feel free to contact us at feedback@cobaltbox.com or use the form below to express your interest. We'd love to include you in the our development process and listen to your feedback.