Gadget

1. A new, often expensive, and relatively unknown hardware device or accessory that makes your life easier and/or more enjoyable or the use of another device easier and/or enjoyable.
   
   As a gadget becomes more well known and widely used in the general public it is no longer referred to as a gadget. For example, when cell phones were first introduced they were considered a gadget. However, as they became more widely used they no longer became gadgets.
   
2. When referring to software, a gadget is another name for a widget.
3. A feature introduced in Windows Vista that allows the user to keep track news, concert information, and just about anything else right on their desktop.  Windows 7 enhanced this by allowing the user to place the gadgets anywhere on the desktop and resize them to their liking.  To add a Gadget to your desktop, simply right click on the desktop and click Gadgets.  Then double click on the Gadget you wish to add.  Additional Gadgets can be found here.

Also see: Accessory, Add-on, Device, Widget