Google has introduced Google Gadget Ads, a new interactive ad format that is currently in an expanded beta with a select group of AdWords advertisers worldwide.

Gadget ads are "non-traditional ad units with interactive, rich media capabilities" that allow users to engage with ad content more than static ads would allow.

Gadget ads are built on an open platform and can incorporate real-time data feeds, images, video and much more in a single creative unit and can be developed using Flash, HTML or a combination of both.

Google has also recently introduced AdSense for Mobile, meaning its contextual ad word programme is now up and running on select mobile web content.