It was first in Android 1.5 that Google took another big step in Android and introduced the new famous feature on its new OS: The Widgets. A new specialty which made Android even more user-friendly since then and more productive than ever! The new feature is in fact a shortcut to the applications except that they can also display some of the app contents within themselves. Widgets not only make Android home screens more beautiful, but also make it easier to access apps, contacts, bookmarks and even system settings. They are mostly seen on the home screens, but there is also the possibility to use them on the lock screen page, if special Launcher is used. Dynamic display is another property of them, meaning their contents are repeatedly refreshed.
Accessing Widgets:
To access a widget, several different ways are introduced by various manufacturers like: Samsung, Sony, LG, Motorola, HTC. Although it completely depends on the type of launcher used, but the default way to access widgets is to touch and hold home screen.
Different Kinds of widgets:
The very first few widgets were only limited to some default pre-installed wi How to Download and Install a Widget? dgets: Analogue and digital clocks, Calendars, Bookmarks, Google Reader and Google search, not more! But then gradually new types of widgets were developed by manufacturers: from Social networks widgets, to the currently most beloved weather forecasts widgets which are now even in various sizes and layouts. At first it was only the developer, who could decide the widget size, but from Android 3.1 and later versions, the ability to change widget size was added and now users could change sizes according to their wishes. Some of the most famous and useful Android Widgets are the followings: Social Networks, Weather Situations, Clock, Calendars, Battery (indicators), Security Apps, Flashlights and Hardware managers.
Downloading and Installing Widgets:
It’s now easy to go to any stores like Google Play Store and choose from the many thousands titles to install on the device. The installation process for widgets is the same as app installation. They are almost installed along with applications, but not always as there are also some widgets which are independent of any app. Widgets – like any apps – are in two categories: Free widgets and paid widgets.
