Widgets are the generic type of software. In simpler terms widgets are miniature version of the software which functions same as that software but in an easier way.
Android has been giving widget to its users since long. And this is one of the most important feature missing in iPhones till date. These widgets are exclusively product of Android which has been highly appreciated by all its users and even critics. Using widgets in Android one can easily have access to various apps and configure various settings.
Widgets were just good and useful until Android ICS was launched few months back. With the launch of this new ICS the widgets are even better. Better in adjusting on the home screen, better customization of other apps on the home screen and better interface for users. Here are few of the widgets which every Android user should try in his device.
Beautiful Widgets:
This is a set of widgets which include clock, weather with some configuration toggles. Toughest competitor of HTC’s Clock & Weather widget, Beautiful widgets also provide battery monitor along with the toggling few controls.
Such is the popularity of this widget that it was the first paid app to reach 1 million downloads.
Extended Controls
Every Android user is aware of “Power Control’ which provides user options of toggling for Bluetooth, Brightness, Wi-Fi, GPS, Synchronization. Extended Controls is the advanced form of this in-built widget of Android. Extended Controls boasts of more than 30 toggle controls.
With great user friendly interface and easy configuration manager Extended Controls provide following important controls:
- 2G-3G
- Fly Mode
- Timeout
- Flashlight
- Auto Lock
- USB Tether
- Shutdown
- System Info
Google Reader
Log in to your google account and using this app you can follow your favourite website, blog, newspaper and so on. Google synchronizes it with your account so that your reading list is updated on any of the device where you use this app. Google Reader Ticker is installed as widget on your home screen along with this app and using this widget you can follow the RSS feed on your home screen.
TripIt
Has it ever happened to you that you have booked your whole vacation online but when you are actually on vacation you face many problems of trying to find your way to the hotel you booked, or the places you wanted to visit, or scrambling your mail inbox for your flight tickets or reservations.
Then TripIt is for you. This app organizes all your travel plans at one place so that you can have a tension free travelling time. One just has to forward all the online bookings to TripIt and it takes care of everything else. The TripIt widget maked it even more user friendly.
Evernote
Evernote makes your life user by remembering everything that you want it to. It allows to take notes, create to-do lists, voice reminders. Most importantly you can access it anywhere using your Evernote account.
Main features:
- Save, sync and share files
- Organize notes & notebooks
- Create and edit notes, task lists
This app comes with a widget bar using which you can have access to all your notes, to-do lists and reminders with just one tap.
Widget market has caught every app developer’s attention. And to increase the usability among the users giving widget option is important for all app developers today. Android apps development has been on the rise and along with it the idea of integrating widgets with all the apps is also catching up.