WidgetCast 2.0 from Reallusion

Although the next iteration of WidgetCast is a step up, it's still not there yet; it's a good program, full-featured, useful, fun, but it's a minor-league application trying to advertise itself at major-league prices.

After WidgetCast v.1, Reallusion is back with version 2.0 - and this time, they bring new features in an attempt to justify the price point. Service bundles offer online storage, extensions, CrazyTalk software, iClone software (with the upgraded bundle), converters...but is it worth $269-299?

In a word, no. Don't get me wrong, it's great software. Ease of use is a big selling point for me, and WidgetCast is so easy a child could figure it out. A more advanced user can really turn it into a dynamic content production tool with a million possibilities for publishing and distributing robust, interactive Web 2.0 applications - from website plugins to full-scale sites and user experience modules.

The ability to integrate with Adobe AIR to create applications that work both offline and offline across multiple platforms really increases WidgetCast's value. The problem is that they're charging professional prices for what really isn't professional software. This is software that's better for novices with no Flash coding experience or design experience, not for professionals looking to produce slick, polished pieces. I might pay $75 for the full package offered, but not anything in the triple digits.

One big claim from WidgetCast is that you own all content you produce, which is actually a little puzzling; regardless of the software used, there are very few media production applications that claim copyright of content created by users. I guess it's good to know, though, as there are a few online content creation tools that will claim the right to use media they host in any promotions or distributions they choose.

Overall, 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's a good program. It does what it promises. The -0.5 is just because the price point is sticking in my craw.