Static banners are a thing of the past. According to CNET News.com, online advertisements are evolving into widgets. Though people are already using desktop widgets as clocks, calendars and RSS feeds, widget ads are still relatively new. But it won't be long before brand advertisers jump on the widget ad bandwagon. According to the article, the interactivity and viral nature of widgets make them attractive to marketers looking for new ways to expand their audience.

Ford is giving widgets a try with its online ad campaign for Sync, an in-car system powered by Microsoft. The widgets will run on AOL sites this week, and will allow users to download a free song or view short videos, all while viewing more information about the product. One of the best features, at least from a marketing perspective, is that users can grab the widget and embed it into other sites. "This is an effective way for marketers to share their brand with influencers out there," said Peter Kim, president of Interpolls, which is hosting the Sync widget ads. "It has to be compelling enough for someone to want to grab it and place it onto their page," he said.