6 wild ways to make Android widgets more useful
Widgets, widgets, widgets. Has there ever been an Android feature so full of promise that went unloved by Google for so very long? Okay, so maybe there has been — erm, lots of times , actually. But even so, Android’s widgets system is a perfect example of an exceptional advantage that Google basically buried, abandoned, and left on the brink of extinction up until its overdue revival in 2021’s…
Widgets, once a popular feature on Android devices, have long been neglected by Google. However, their revival in 2021's Android 12 update has sparked the creativity of the Android developer community. Developers have come up with innovative ways to enhance the functionality of Android widgets, even beyond what Google provides out of the box. Here are six creative ways to make Android widgets more useful:
1. Popup Widget: This app allows users to create an on-demand pop-up widget, appearing as a regular icon on the home screen but loading the desired widget when tapped. Users can even summon multiple widgets simultaneously using Popup Widget. The app is available for $2 and does not require any special permissions or access. Setting up Popup Widget is straightforward, with the app guiding users through the process of adding, naming, and positioning pop-up widgets on their screens.
2. Edge Gestures: This app enables users to summon widgets from any part of the screen, not just the home screen. Edge Gestures requires system accessibility service and the ability to display over other apps, which can be enabled in the app's configuration area. Users can select a gesture, such as a swipe down along the left side of the screen, to open their chosen widget. This feature is useful for those who prefer a clutter-free home screen and want to access widgets easily from any part of the screen.
3. Custom Icons and Placement: Users can customize the appearance of their widgets by choosing names, icons, and placement on their screens. This allows for a personalized and clutter-free home screen, making it easier to access frequently used widgets.
4. Combining Widgets: Popup Widget allows users to combine multiple widgets into a single icon, providing quick access to various information without opening multiple apps. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to view multiple pieces of information simultaneously, such as checking their inbox and calendar at the same time.
5. Custom Android Launchers: For users who prefer a custom Android launcher, such as Smart Launcher or Niagara, similar options for summoning widgets on demand are available within their settings. This eliminates the need for a separate app like Popup Widget and keeps the home screen clutter-free.
6. System-wide Gestures: By enabling Edge Gestures as a system accessibility service and granting it the necessary permissions, users can create custom system-wide gestures to summon their desired widgets. This feature is useful for those who want to access their widgets quickly and efficiently, without interfering with other system gestures.
Written by urgent.news from Computerworld's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
