Digital Trends

Testing of Google's new Flash-based advertising program marches closer and closer towards completion.

The days of only unobtrusive Google text ads will soon be gone. Google’s popular AdWords advertising program is getting a partner, known as Google Gadget Ads, that will support interactive Flash ads. The new program moved to an expanded beta test with selected AdWords partners on Wednesday.

Gadget Ads allow both Flash and HTML in their development, and can incorporate data feeds, images, video and more. They’re intended to function more like content so that Google users will actually volunteer to include them as gadgets on their personalized iGoogle pages. For instance, ads for Nissan’s new Altima Coupe feature a relatively small advertisement for the car built into a live traffic view based on Google Maps.

Google has received positive feedback from advertising test partners including Sierra Mist, Intel, Honda and Paramount Vantage. No word yet on consumer reaction, but if you would like to see a few for yourself, check out Google’s Gadget Ads gallery.