Node-webkit allows developers to create native desktop applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript by embedding Node.js in the Chromium browser framework. It provides access to common web technologies like HTML5 features as well as Node.js modules and desktop capabilities like native menus, file system access, and more. Node-webkit applications can be built for Windows, Mac, and Linux and are useful for building games, editors, file browsers, and offline versions of web apps. More information on developing with node-webkit can be found on its GitHub wiki and in related presentations and podcasts.