New features for Google Web Elements

Earlier this year we introduced Google Web Elements, an easy way to embed Google products on your site by simply copying and pasting a snippet of code. Today we're excited to announce the addition of three new Web Elements:

• Translate element
  
  The Translate element enables visitors to automatically translate your pages into their native language, extending the reach of your website to a global audience. Even better, it will know when their language doesn't match your site's. Have some multi-lingual visitors? Don't worry, they'll be able to turn it off completely.
  
  Note that whether or not the Translate element pops up is based on the language of your web browser. In order to test what other language visitors will see on your site, you'll have to follow the directions here to change your browser's language.



• Reader element
  
  The Reader element embeds the headlines from your recent shared items on Google Reader right on your website. You can customize the element by choosing how many items to show and the color scheme. The headlines shown in the Reader element will automatically update as you share or unshare items.








• Orkut element
  
  The Orkut element makes it easy for your website's visitors to share your site on their Orkut page. When visitors to your site click the button, they'll be able to share your website content with their Orkut friends with a couple clicks

We've also added a couple new features that we hope you'll enjoy:

• Custom Search element themes:  The Custom Search element lets visitors search your site (or other content defined by you) and enables you to earn revenue (via AdSense) from highly relevant ads that are displayed in the search results. You've always been able to richly style this element (we described a couple ways in this blog post), but that required knowing JavaScript and CSS. Now you can adjust the look and feel of the element to better integrate with your site, without having to code anything.


• Login integration:  The Google Web Elements website is now integrated with your 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.


• Document selector: Once logged into the Google Web Elements website, you'll be able to easily search through your data when creating a Calendar, Presentation or Spreadsheet element.  All you have to do is click the "Choose" button and select the one that you would like to use with your element.  You still have the option of pasting in a URL (for instance, if you wish to use a document not associated with your account), but this is no longer required.
  
  

We hope you enjoy these new additions to the Web Elements family! To get started, check out www.google.com/webelements.

By Christine Tsai, Web Elements Team