We've been working on the open source implementation of the gadgets stack and we'd like to share a preview of the gadgets specification and new gadgets.* JavaScript APIs. Consider this an early look at where gadgets are headed, but don't let this change the way you build apps for iGoogle today. The standard spec and open source stack will allow gadgets to grow and let us add exciting new features for gadget developers, such as the new ability for containers to support gadgets with different views like "profile" or "canvas".
The existing documentation for building gadgets on iGoogle is available in the developer's guide.
As always, if you have any questions about the spec or API preview, drop by the group.