Netvibes has released its Universal Widget API today, a service we mentioned in early February. The UWA allows widgets developed for Netvibes to work on Google IG, Apple Dashboard and (coming soon) other platforms, too. They've served up a video (below) to show someone posting a Netvibes widget to Google IG and the Apple Dashboard in a few clicks.
Netvibes is essentially trying to open up the entire widget market with this "Write once, run everywhere" approach - but it's a move that would also give Netvibes more control over its competitors. Others, like Widgetbox and Clearspring, have similar aspirations. It's likely a good strategy: whoever caters best to the developer community will end up dominating this market.
Another note: the Netvibes social network is scheduled for release in April, allowing friends to share elements of their pages.
UWA Screencast