Back in November this year, Google introduced OpenSocial for Social Networks. OpenSocial provides a common set of APIs for social applications across multiple websites. With standard JavaScript and HTML, developers can create apps that access a social network's friends and update feeds.

Currently OpenSocial widgets and gadgets are being development for various platforms such as FaceBook, MySpace, Hi5 but the main focus is set to Orkut.

OpenSocial recently opened an Orkut SandBox for developers to test the OpenSocial APIs and widgets. Developers who have signed up for the Orkut SandBox will have access to social apps and can test out Orkut widgets and gadgets. Here is what you need to do to get the OpenSocial apps on Orkut.

1. Sign up and request access to the OpenSocial Orkut Sandbox (even if you are a developer or not)
2. Open Orkut and navigate to http://sandbox.orkut.com/myApps.aspx
3. Browse the Orkut applications directory and choose applications to test

Note: Unless you are accepted to the Orkut Sandbox, you probably won't be able to test applications on Orkut so make sure you request access as soon as possible.

Here is what the Orkut Sandbox looks like:

Also remember that you will have to reload every applications each time you login to Orkut. Orkut Sandbox has got a good set of cool new little Orkut applications. GlitterText is one of my favorites.

Orkut also gives you the ability to add 3rd party applications by entering the URL to their .XML file.

In my next post about Orkut I shall give you a list of 3rd party Orkut applications that you can add to your Orkut profile.