Best Android Widgets: Must Have Widgets for Your Android Smartphone
Widgets, as we know them, are element/s of a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays interactive information provided by an application. In the simplest term, android widgets are functions of certain apps that can be placed on the home screen display of the device. It can display related information that’s provided by the app. For example, a weather app with a displayable widget will display information about today’s weather without you launching the actual app.
The Widget element is also the same for the Android platform. Basically, the function of a widget is similar in all supported platforms. When it comes to our Android smartphone or tablet, some of us use a widget while some don’t.
The most popular uses of widgets for Android are for weather information, an interactive clock on the home screen, reading emails, and quickly checking schedules with the calendar. Regardless of how you use a widget or even if you don’t use them, a widget is, in fact, an essential aspect of home screen customization. They are more of an “at-a-glance” view of an app’s data and functionality that is accessible right from the home screen of your Android smartphone or tablet.
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- New Android 12 leak features redesigned widgets and notifications ahead of the Google I/O 2021
- 3 Easy Ways To Add Picture Widgets On Android Home Screen
As you begin planning your widget, think about what kind of widget you’re trying to build. Widgets typically fall into one of the following categories:
Android Widgets- Apps
In the Android operating system platform, there are 3 types of android widgets namely Collection widgets, Information widgets, and Control Widgets.
Information widgets
Information widgets, as the name suggests, display information elements that are related to the app. Typically, these are important information that also changes over time. Good examples of information widgets are weather, clock, and score trackers. If you tap on these kinds of widgets, it typically launches the associated app and redirects you to a more detailed view of information.
Collection widgets
As the name implies, collection widgets basically display a multitude of elements of the same type. For example, a display of pictures from your gallery, articles from a news app, or emails/messages.
It can also pertain to an email app that lets you have a quick view of your email. Furthermore, the information is displayed in real-time and it also changes over time.
Another example of collection widgets is a grid view of your most used apps on your phone or tablet. If you tap one of them, it will launch the app instantly.
Control widgets
The Control widgets, on the other hand, simply display device functions that can be triggered by simply tapping on it. It can be a shortcut trigger for device functions that can be switched ON or OFF or a music app to play, pause, or skip a song. Think of it as something like a remote control for an app.
Another typical example of control widgets is music app widgets. Music app widgets typically allow the user to simply play, pause, or skip music tracks from outside the actual music app.
Now that we have a clearer view of Android widgets, below are some of the best widgets to have if you own an Android smartphone or tablet.
Best Android Widgets for that Ultimate Customization
Widgets are the answer if you’re looking for a way to fully customize the home screen of your Android smartphone. From various themes to interactive notes and even up to a wide list of customization in one single app. So, if you want the ultimate customization, then we recommend checking out our list of best Android widgets that can change the way you interact with your Android phone.
In our list, one of our favorites is Evernote. With Evernote, you will be reminded of scheduled events across all of the devices you own. Pretty cool right?
Ultimately, here are some related article/s:
- Customize Your Android Home Screen with Widgets
- Point by Point Comparison: Beautiful Widget vs HD Widget vs Fancy Widget
Best Android Clock Widgets
One of the most popular widgets that people download from the Google Play store is a clock widget. Fortunately, the Play store has a wide variety selection of various clock widgets from analog to digital and even hybrid ones. If you want a clock widget that includes dates and changes the way you look at your home screen, then we recommend checking our list below:
1. Best Analog Clock Widget Apps for Android
If you want to have a customizable clock placed on the home screen of your Android phone, then check our list of best analog clock widget apps for Android for that ultimate analog clock look.
With analog clocks, not only does it give that classy look but it comes with a few minimal extra helpful functions.
If in case you also want a digital clock widget, fret not, as some of the widget apps included in our list offer a digital clock option if the analog clock is not to your taste.
2. Best Multi-Function Clock Widget for Android
If you want a clock widget that’s more than just being a clock, then better check our list of best multi-function Android clock widget apps.
The apps included in our list can customize your home screen with a cool clock that can either provide you the current information about the weather, give a 3D cool effect, integrate itself as a wallpaper, and more!
There are more widgets that can provide more functions than just simply being a clock.
3. Best Date and Time Widgets for Android
If you want a widget that focuses on providing the best possible experience for date and time together, then check our list of the best date and time widgets for Android.
In most cases, the date and time are already present on the home screen of your Android device. If you simply want to have a better experience or change the way you look at your Android phone, then the included date and time widgets in our list will surely get the job done.
Best Weather Android Widgets
Another popular Android widget that most people download from the Google Play store is weather-oriented apps with widgets. With weather widgets, you get the current weather information of your area at the comfort of your home screen. That’s right, you don’t have to click or launch the app to check the weather for today.
So if weather widgets are what you are looking for, then better check our best weather widgets for Android list.
Best Motivational Android Widgets
Other than clock, date, time, and weather, there are widgets that can also be useful in some situations. If you’re feeling down, stressed, frustrated, and want some motivational boost, then this best motivational widget apps for Android will surely get your confidence up again.
Suggested Reads ;
Spotify’s home screen widget is back on its Android app
Google Adds New Swipeable Wear OS Widget Called Tiles
28 Ways to Solve Android Widget Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find Android widgets?
1. Touch and hold empty space anywhere on your home screen
2. Select the Widgets option
3. Select and hold a widget
4. Drag and drop it to the desired location on the home screen
What is the difference between an App and a widget?
Apps are nothing but special applications that need to be installed before using them. Widgets are extensions of these apps that run continuously in the background making them more user friendly
Got Any Android Widget Related Questions?
Widgets are the ultimate way to really bring customization to your Android’s home screen. Without a widget, there’s really no other way to customize the home screen to your preference other than having a different launcher, installing a different Android version by means of rooting or installing apps that change the look of your Android UI.
If by chance that you’re having trouble, issues, or problem using some of the widgets here, then here’s your all-in-one guide to fix every widget Android issues.
Ultimately, widgets for Android are the easiest way to really customize the home screen of your phone.
Have you tried any of the widgets in our list? Have comments, questions, or suggestions? Hit us up in the comment sections below!
That was a great collection of widgets and would be a useful source for android users. Keep up the good work.
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