IceTime 4.0 Beta for Dashboard

The new version of IceTime for Dashboard (both Leopard and Tiger) is going to be out before the season starts, however I have posted the Beta for anyone who is interested in seeing what is new as well as doing some bug hunting. It is completely stable and as of yet no major issues have been found. I am still considering whether or not a new version for Yahoo! will be made, there are a number of reasons behind this, first off the older version still functions without any problems, and two it seems that the Yahoo! Widgets platform has taken an unfortunate turn for the worst. Which makes me question the validity of further development for what was once a great thing...namely Konfabulator. If there is an interest I will certainly look into adding the new functions.

What's new:
- Unplayed games now use the fronts of the jerseys (yes after 2 years it's happened...)
- Mousing over the jerseys will show you the team's complete names and current record for the season.
- iToque is now built into the widget for those who use it, or want to make some space on their screen. Toques will be updated in the final version.
- A revised version of Cup Companion, using full size jerseys etc, is now built into the widget.
- If you have an account at JerseyDatabase.com you can display your saved jerseys as well as your calendars.
- To display mini jerseys you now only have to click on the entry, rather than entering the ID number.
- Jersey fronts and hats and can be displayed.
- A number of graphics and colors have been changed.
- There is now a calendar function (small images displayed in the schedule) that will give you tidbits of information such as Hall of Fame birthdays, days that numbers are scheduled to be retired, as well as "This Day in History" anecdotes. Simply mouse over the symbol and the information will be displayed. This feature can be turned on and off.
- If you missed the last update the standings now feature games played.
- A number of small bugs have finally been fixed...most importantly the issue with game times for different time zones.
- You can now view your team's stats from last season.
- The RSS feed now points to JerseyDatabase.com
- All jersey searches now include small image previews.

As, stated this is a Beta version, any and all feedback is greatly appreciated. More screenshots and the download can be found here:

IceTime Beta Download Page

Live NHL Scores for Dashboard

A couple of months ago I wrote about Andreas Amann's nifty little live-scoring NFL widget, he also has a baseball one available, and as of now, he even has a hockey one. This is something that has long been absent for Dashboard, so rejoice people, you can now see what's going on...as it's going on.

The widget includes live scores, previous results, coming games, standings (for both divisions and conferences) and mousing over a game that has either concluded or is in progress will show you the period-by-period breakdown and 3 Stars....and it's small, compact and auto updates. Breathe out. I can honestly say that this thing will be getting some heavy usage around these parts. Oh, and you can customize the widget with your team's logo at center ice.

If you haven't already checked out Andreas' widgets they come highly recommended, and this one in particular, should be indispensable for any hockey fan.

You can download his new hockey widget, as well as the others in the series, directly from his homepage here: Andreas Amann's Widgets

Another NFL widget

A number of people have written to me in regards to the coming 2007 NFL widget, and I am working on it in the hopes having a release available before the season starts. However, if you are interested in following the ongoing preseason and are looking for a widget with live scoring and a bit more info then look no further.

Andreas Amann (who also has a similar baseball widget available) has released a very functional, simple and nice looking NFL widget for those looking to follow the season via Dashboard.

The widget shows week by week schedules (game times are localized) with results and standings . Mousing over a game that has concluded (or is currently in progress) shows the quarter by quarter breakdown of scores as well as game leaders. In addition you can add a graphic of your favorite team's helmet via the preferences on the back.

For more information and to download the widget visit Andreas' Dashboard page here:
Dashboard Widgets Page