Software developers and website owners are trying to simplify the process of interacting with their product. One of the effective ways to optimize such interaction is the introduction of widgets, which mean both small applications for operating systems and website elements.
In this article, I will go over the basics about widgets, talk about their types and how to start using them to optimize your site or simplify your work in the operating system.
What is a widget?
For Russian users, a widget is a special application that has certain functionality. Examples of such functionality can be very different:
- communication of certain information;
- addition to a computer or phone screen;
- exchanging messages.
The widget is very helpful for website owners. To increase traffic to an Internet resource, entrepreneurs use various methods, one of which is the use of a widget. Modern developments make it possible to obtain additional information from a site visitor.
The scope of application of widgets is quite extensive. Modern people encounter this service almost every day. This element is actively used by social networks or various browsers.
For example, the reflection of the weather on the phone screen is a widget. However, this concept also applies to the icon itself, which launches the program.
Useful links: QR code, what is it, why is it needed and what to do with it, What are presets and how to use them: cheat sheet, How to make a Google document: a cool cheat sheet from the pros.
Benefits of using graphics modules
Installing programs with their information modules displayed on the main screen has many advantages for the user. The main ones include:
- Instantly obtain the necessary information;
- The ability to perform a quick search, as well as use information in the device itself or on the Internet;
- Quick user access to existing applications;
- Improving device performance;
- Simplified access to management and settings.
Widget options
The appearance and location of the widgets are different. Suffice it to recall the small strip with a field and an icon, which is located at the top of the screen. In other words, they are called toppers.
They can inform users about discounts or promotions and collect the necessary contact information. In this case, the service is an information source.
There is another type of widget. They are called floras and are located at the bottom of the screen.
It is appropriate to recall the various pop-up windows that we encounter on website pages. They are also a type of widget.
In such a case, the program invites the site visitor to leave their contact information, which allows not only to establish a system of relationships with clients, but also to increase the level of popularity of the Internet resource.
Many people have noticed different shortcuts that are located on the side of the screen. This type of service helps to establish a feedback channel with site guests.
Widgets: what they are for and how they work
In simple words, depending on the type, widgets allow us to quickly access important information (weather forecast, exchange rates, events and scheduled events in the calendar), make any changes instantly (for example, create or change notes in a diary) and not only.
As already noted, widgets exist not only on any modern mobile device, but also on computers and websites. On many web pages, you have probably noticed various social networking icons, by clicking on which you can instantly share news with friends or perform another action. Or maybe you have more than once come across forms where you can leave a request to the administration or contact the support service. These are widgets - graphic elements that inform about something.
Widgets are often divided into basically just two categories: interactive and non-interactive. The latter only allow you to peek at some useful data and play an informative role. These include windows with weather forecasts, current news, information about memory/processor load, and so on. For example, it can be very convenient to place a widget on your phone that displays battery charge if the corresponding element is not in the notification panel.
In turn, interactive widgets already imply interaction with the user. These include, for example, interface elements of various media players, thanks to which you can switch the currently playing track or pause it. Here the user influences the operation of the program through the widget, which distinguishes this view from non-interactive windows.
Widget functions
Let's look at a few basic purposes of widgets:
- The most important function is to attract the visitor's attention. The main goal for which most websites are created is to achieve a solid level of sales. Thanks to the use of widgets, you can get the contact information of a potential buyer.
- This service also helps to collect informative information about potential consumers. This category of people will be able to use the call back form or agree to receive messages.
- Widgets add some interactivity to your website. It is thanks to them that you can come up with an unusual way of attracting attention, with the help of which the perception of a product or service will be significantly simplified.
In addition, it is worth noting that widgets can be customized according to the needs of the visitor. In a way, they act as a kind of Web application. This helps to create site content that will best meet the needs of the consumer.
How to create Smart Stacks yourself?
It is possible to create your own Smart Stacks; to do this, just place the necessary widgets one above the other.
♥ ON TOPIC: iPhone tracks all your movements (places visited): where to watch it and how to turn it off.
Widget feed
Many gadget owners have probably heard the expression “widget feed”. This term is quite easy to explain. The widgets ribbon is a list of all installed and configured widgets that are located on the additional screen.
This is where you can find many different icons. If you look at this area, you can see the date and the search string in the browser. In addition, there is a button for settings. The following types of widgets are available to the user:
- Shortcuts help you quickly find access to popular applications.
- Notes - here you can record small texts.
- Events - this service will promptly remind you of the next meeting or date.
- Security – prevents the device’s memory from being filled with unnecessary information and performs anti-virus scanning.
The user has the opportunity to change the size of the widget used. It's quite easy to do this:
- To begin, press and hold the shortcut for a few seconds.
- Next, a trash can icon will appear.
- Orange and blue lines should now appear. They will help you change the size.
There are times when you need to disable the widget feed. This function is available and can be performed in just a few steps:
- The user will need to go to the phone settings section.
- Here you will find a section with a desktop.
- The “Widget Feed” subsection will appear. Now you just need to move the button to the shutdown mode.
Xiaomi Widget Feed
Let's look at how widgets work on a certain brand of phone. Such information will be of interest to those owners of Xiaomi phones who have not yet managed to understand how widgets work.
The widget on Xiaomi is an additional application that allows you to quickly access the main program. Thanks to the widget, information from the program can be seen directly on the phone's desktop. In this case, you don’t even have to visit the main menu. If we talk about specific examples, it could be a watch.
However, manufacturers do not stand still. For Xiaomi with optimization of MIUI 9 version and higher, an additional screen has been created, which can be found on the left side of the desktop.
This is what they began to call the Xiaomi widget feed. In this area, users can find shortcuts and modules that are links to the main user applications.
The most convenient thing is that the owner of the gadget can configure the optimal tools for himself. If necessary, you can remove or add any shortcut.
This could be a news feed, the weather, or a meeting calendar.
Widgets in the general feed are presented in a separate list. The date is indicated at the top, and a little lower you can see the search bar from Mi Browser. A line from any browser that the phone owner prefers to use can be installed at this place.
Now you should familiarize yourself with the field where the shortcuts are located. Icons from the selected programs are located here.
How to disable or delete the widget feed on Xiaomi?
“Widget Feed” is a rather convenient and useful tool. However, some phone owners open this service quite rarely or do not use it at all.
In this case, there is no point in filling the phone's memory with unnecessary functionality. In addition, programs are updated regularly, which puts additional strain on the battery.
However, this problem can be easily solved. Simply disable the Widget Feed. Owners of Xiaomi phones with MIUI version 9 or higher will be able to do this. Unfortunately, earlier models do not support this operation.
To disable the functionality you will need to follow several steps:
- Go to the “Settings” section.
- Open the list of sections where the subsection with the desktop is located.
- Now move the toggle switch opposite the line with the Widget Ribbon.
Just a few steps and the Widget Feed will disappear from the main screen of your Xiaomi phone.
How to add a widget to your lock screen
The availability of this function depends not only on the operating system and its version, but also on the manufacturer - the shell used. So, on Android OS this functionality was available in versions 4.0-4.4, as well as later ones from different manufacturers. iOS phones do not have this option.
To add a widget to your lock screen, do this:
- Open main settings and select “Lock screen”.
- Open the “Widgets” menu item.
- Choose what information appears on the lock screen.
- Customize the display order.
The number of widgets you can use in this mode is limited. This is due to the small amount of free space on the lock screen. Widgets will be available as cards when you tap on the lock screen clock.
Bixby widget from Samsung
The Bixby widget was introduced by the developers several years ago. It is a voice assistant that the owners of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphones were the first to encounter.
The presented new product has become an improved version of S Voice, which was presented on the Samsung Galaxy S III model. Bixby can answer various questions, search for information and carry out basic tasks.
After its introduction, the program was available exclusively for models from the manufacturer Samsung. This applied to both modern and later models.
The only obstacle could be the OS version. When installing Bixby on an older version of a Samsung smartphone, it is worth considering that the phone must run on Android Nougat OS, as well as on more modern versions of Android.
But the producers did not stop there. The scope of Bixby's use has gradually expanded. The smart assistant has been implemented in other Samsung equipment.
If this is your first time hearing about this widget and you want to use it, then it’s time to learn how to do it. Let's look at the rules for using the widget in the most accessible form for dummies:
- To start working with Bixby, you need to click on a separate button, which can be found on the body of modern Samsung phone models. If you press this button quickly, Bixby Home will open. There are special cards here that display information from various sources.
- Using the functionality, you can find out about the weather, your own physical activity, current alarms or upcoming events.
- You can activate Bixby Home by swiping your finger across the home screen from left to right.
- If you hold the button for a long time, the Bixby Voice service will appear. Here the user can communicate with the virtual assistant using voice and give various instructions. For example, find information, open the weather or send a voice message.
- When you contact Samsung Bixby for the first time, you must confirm the user agreement, which will open access to user data.
- The voice assistant can be customized to suit the requirements of the mobile device owner. To do this, you need to open Bixby Home. Next, in the upper right corner, find the settings icon, where you can perform the necessary set of actions.
Where can I get the necessary programs?
If you do not have the necessary applications on your device, you will need to download and install them like a regular Android application. Finding a set of standard programs for your smartphone or tablet is not difficult. For example, a sea of free widgets are downloaded in the corresponding section of Google Play (Play Store) .
Now let's figure out how to install a widget on Android. This operation can be performed in two ways:
- Download the installation file directly to your mobile device, and then run the installer. Installing the application in this way is possible when the gadget is connected to the Internet;
- If the gadget you are using does not have an Internet connection, then you can download a file with the .apk extension for installation using a personal computer (again, with Internet access). Afterwards, you need to transfer the downloaded file to the gadget you are using and install it.
Widgets on your phone
Modern people can no longer imagine life without a mobile phone. Therefore, it’s worth explaining in detail what widgets are on your phone. People use widgets on their phones every day without even realizing it. For example, the battery charging status is an information widget.
In addition, you can find another category of widgets on your phone - management services. Their main task is to operate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other installed equipment.
In addition to being informative, widgets also have an aesthetic value. This service decorates the interface on a mobile phone. Of course, the information that is displayed in widgets can be found on the Internet without any problems.
But you must admit, clicking on one shortcut is much easier than searching on various sites. Therefore, widgets can save time.
The owner of a mobile phone can select a set of widgets that will fully suit his interests. Thanks to the service, the necessary information can be obtained in the shortest possible time.
Well-known mobile phone manufacturers try to come up with new and useful widgets for each model. Such developments act as an advertising ploy, which allows you to effectively express yourself against the background of other manufacturers.
The widget is an optimal and convenient solution for mobile phone owners. This service simplifies the process of using the gadget. The user will be able to save traffic.
Just look at the phone screen, and all the necessary information immediately appears before your eyes. You don’t have to go online and search for the necessary information.
Installing such a service on your phone will not take much time. You should go to the settings section and select the necessary widgets for yourself.
Where to find widgets on Android - list of the best
Widgets have been accompanying Android device owners for a long time. Over time, they improve and their numbers increase. Those who like to use unusual features on their gadget know that a wide range of widgets are available in the Google Play application store. Fans of interactive elements will find it useful to know the list of the best widgets for Android available right now.
| Rating | Characteristic |
| Amber Weather Widget | A current application that includes about 90 widgets for every taste. It contains 7 daily forecasts, weather reports, severe conditions warnings. |
| Battery Widget Reborn | The battery widget provides information about the status of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, battery in the form of a graph and a circular indicator. |
| Beautiful Widgets | The universal application contains a lot of popular widgets that can be customized to your taste. |
| Calendar Widget | The app offers a variety of calendar widgets and a huge selection of themes to customize. |
| Google Keep | A simple and effective application for creating text and voice notes and sharing them with other users. |
4.8/5 — (19 votes)
Why do we need widgets?
Agree that even the most famous operating system developer will not be able to satisfy the needs of every user. Therefore, a fairly competent solution is to create a kind of database that can adapt the contents of the device to various requirements. Widgets do this task perfectly.
As an example, consider the Android system. The basic version looks rather boring and nondescript. As soon as we add Yandex or Google widgets, an informative “life” appears on the phone. You can add an event calendar, galleries, music players and much more.
Use modern services and optimize your device in accordance with your tasks and interests!
Sincerely, Anastasia Gorbenko especially for the proudalenku.ru project
Video:
Gone are the days when the iOS home screen was built around a grid of square app icons and their folders. iOS 14 brings a completely new look to the interface with home screen widgets. They can be customized in size and shape, thus offering excellent functionality. This isn't a new idea, as Microsoft used a similar custom grid style with its Windows Phone a long time ago, but Apple has created a well-thought-out clean look for iOS with home screen widgets, including a neat Smart Stacks option.
♥ ON TOPIC: How to set a separate ringtone and vibration for a contact on iPhone.
What do group widgets mean?
Having entered the social network, we are immediately struck by a decent number of different widgets. From social networks, we will continue to consider VK widgets. Just not pages, but groups. That is, we will find out what a VKontakte widget is? Widgets for this particular social network. We will consider the network because of its enormous distribution in the RuNet.
First of all, widgets are needed in groups to promote your business. There are groups that are closely associated with sites and help them promote. For example, like mine. All my groups have links to sites.
To read the entire article in my group, you need to go to the website. Also, some groups exist on their own without connection with sites. Widgets in this case help people join groups. Pay attention to 3 widgets on my website, they all lead to different groups. Through them, you can join these groups.
Also, widgets help show photos of group and community members. By clicking on the “Subscribed” link, you can see who exactly is in this group. Widgets in groups also help promote sites with the help of new members. In place of the photos of the participants, you can put the news of the group.
Installing a new widget doesn't require much knowledge. You can simply enter the group and then go to the “Management” section. View your settings and select the required widget.
