Android Widgets Overview
Widgets are not the same as the shortcut icons that allow you to launch an app. Android widgets generally display data and take up more space than a single icon. For example, weather widgets show data about local weather forecasts. Widgets can also be interactive or resizable, such as a sticky note widget. Some Android phones and tablets come with custom widgets created by the phone or tablet manufacturer specifically for that device. Some are separate downloads, and some come as part of the regular app download. Some widgets also allow for extensions (both paid and free) that add functions or change their appearance. Weather apps and clocks are the most common type of extendable widgets.
Common Types of Android Widgets
Here are some fantastic widgets you may want to try right away to enhance your Android experience.
Weather and Clocks
Weather widgets and clocks are a fantastic use of your screen space. Glance at your phone, and you can tell what the weather will be before you even take your glasses off the nightstand. If you live in an area that has hazardous weather, consider an app that includes weather alert notifications on top of the widget capability.
Notes, Tasks, and Lists
The Evernote widget set comes as part of the Evernote download and helps you take or browse through notes and memos you take on your phone. You can choose from three different sizes of widget, depending on your use and display space. If you are considering Evernote, you may also want to look at Google Keep or OneNote, both of which come with widgets and offer similar note-taking functionality. There are also more task-based widgets centered around tools like Planner Plus or Informant.
Email widgets allow you to look at summaries of your messages and sometimes reply to them without having to launch the full app. Android comes with Gmail widgets pre-installed, but there are also a few third-party widgets with elegant displays. You may also want to use a separate email app such as the Outlook app to read your Outlook or business email. Apps like Nine also come with email widgets.
Other Productivity Tools
In addition to tasks, email, and notes. You may have specific productivity tools you use. Check to see if your favorite app came with a widget. Productivity and business apps like Expensify, TripIt, and Google Drive all have widgets. If your favorite app does not have a widget, chances are good that a third-party has created one. Be sure to read the reviews before downloading and connecting it to your favorite service.
