Windows SideShow in Windows 7



Windows SideShow is a new technology developed by Microsoft to allow real-time viewing of information, data, and media from your computer, on secondary displays and mobile devices. For instance, you could check your email, contacts, and appointments without turning on your main computer.

Windows SideShow is available in all Vista editions except Home Basic.

Compatible Devices

Devices and products compatible with this technology should have a Windows SideShow logo displayed on the box.

The following are a few examples of devices which support Windows SideShow:

1) Laptop lid displays.

2) Keyboards

3) Mobile phones

4) Digital picture frames.

Gadgets

Gadgets or add-ons give Windows SideShow devices their functionality. Windows Mail and Windows Media Player are two gadgets that are automatically included with Windows 7. Using the Windows Mail gadget, for example, permits you to view your email messages from Windows Mail on your Windows SideShow device.

There are many more gadgets you can install for additional functionalities, such as:

1) Picture viewers

2) Weather applications (such as WeatherBug)

3) Feed and RSS readers

4) Support for email services (such as GMail)

5) Stock market tickers

Remember that the compatibility of gadgets is dependent upon the Windows SideShow device.

Installing and Setting Up Devices

For Windows SideShow devices separate from your computer, you must install and set up the device with your computer. You should follow the seller or manufacturer directions. Then after the device installation, you can modify your device and configure the gadgets.

Follow the below steps to access the Windows SideShow settings:

1. Open the Start menu.

2. Click Control Panel.

3. Double-click the Windows SideShow icon.