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.”