Android operating system for mobile devices has become familiar to many. Some have been using it for more than 10 years, which means they should have studied it from and to. But, in fact, even the most experienced smartphone user regularly finds new options in his device.
For example, not everyone understands what widgets are for Android. Someone considers this a paid option, someone is afraid to install this on the phone. In fact, this is an extremely useful “trick” that helps speed up work with the system and provide yourself with the most comfortable configuration of the device.
What is it?
So, the widget for Android is a compact copy of the application that is already on the system. It performs certain functions that are aimed at accelerating work with the system. The widget can also be a standalone application that does not take up much space on the desktop, but is always at hand.
Widget task
Widgets for Android and other operating systems perform similar tasks. They transmit certain information, can complement the workspace, and also help to quickly communicate in instant messengers and other programs.
The most common example of a widget is the notification of a new message. But, in this case, this compact application is wired into the system and conditionally not custom.
The widget is able to show the weather or various design watches. It can also be associated with a specific application that is already installed on the phone. There is an option that one of the system utilities will also broadcast information about different events through the widget.
Now you can find a huge number of these applications. Some have to be installed independently, some of them work directly in tandem with the main program. There are widgets for Android, Windows, MacOS, as well as auxiliary options for demanding programs, such as a browser.
What widgets are there?
These compact applications have no official classification. But specialists involved in the development of widgets, for themselves, decided to share them in appearance and location.
So there are:
- toppers;
- Flora
- popup windows;
- shortcuts
- recessed.
Some of them relate to widgets for Android, others can be built into computer systems.
So, toppers are most often located at the top of the screen, they may look like a strip with a field and a button. Typically, this option is used on the pages of commercial sites. On this widget, you can place ads, promotions or discounts on a specific product. Flor is the same topper, but at the bottom of the screen.
Pop-ups are also a browser application that has been developed for commercial use. Such a widget may overlap the page and carry official or advertising information.
Shortcuts is an application that can often be found on smartphones. Usually such a widget option is needed for a quick transition to the main program or to obtain the necessary information. An embedded widget can carry any data and is often used for sites.
Widget options
Many for themselves distinguish widgets from desktop versions and versions for browsers. The first option is just found on the screens of smartphones or computers.
Desktop widgets most often have a special design that you can customize for yourself: change the color scheme, transparency, size and shape. Such applications are often paired with the main programs and help to obtain timely information.
Popular widgets
If you want to add a widget but don’t know which one to choose, take a look at the programs installed on your phone. Usually, you can get a hint in this matter.
For example, you often use a system or third-party calendar: record important data, plan events, and keep track of dates. In this case, it will be much more convenient to either install the calendar and scheduler widgets from Google Play, or find the system program widget on your smartphone. Thus, a new icon will appear on the desktop, which will allow you to quickly perform editing and other manipulations with the software.
At one time, watches and animated weather were popular among XP widgets. The developers have created a beautiful desktop application that allows you to immediately see the current weather conditions. For example, if it was raining outside, a gray splash screen and raindrops appeared on a computer or smartphone. Now a similar version of widgets is out of fashion, and users prefer minimalism to the desktop.
However, finding the right widget option that quickly displays the weather is now very easy. And all the popular weather forecasting programs are installed with the built-in compact application.
Install and uninstall
Installing or removing a widget on Android is easy. To do this, hold the free area on the home screen. At the bottom there will be 3 functions: setting wallpaper, widgets and a new home screen. Choosing widgets, you can see all the predefined options that come with the main programs.
For example, if you downloaded Play Music or any other version of your music library, you will find several options for the player on your desktop.
How to remove Android widget? To do this, hold the widget on the smartphone screen and pull up. When a basket or a cross appears, you need to lower the icon there, and it will be removed from the desktop.