An array of innovative, third-party miniapplications and programs that bring to life the technology advances in the Windows Vista� operating system will debut next week along with Microsoft Corp.�s new operating system, making it easier than ever for people to find and connect to their information.

Major media firms and other companies will be among those releasing �gadgets,� miniapplications that let people instantly manage and access live information and Web-based services directly from the Windows Vista desktop. Some ultra-realistic 3-D programs and innovative applications from new-media, retail and education companies also will be available for consumer use when retail versions of Windows Vista debut on Jan. 30. Many more cutting-edge applications and programs will arrive over the coming weeks and months.

�These partner gadgets and programs will offer people a more interactive, visually engaging computing experience � the Windows Vista experience,� said Tom Caputo, group product manager for the Windows Client Group at Microsoft. �The industry partners that developed these innovative applications are among the first to realize the potential of Windows Vista to deliver information, entertain and educate people in new ways.�