Widgets are shortcuts to options that Android has available.. They are activated in the operating system quickly and fully visible in the computer interface. They are of great help to know aspects of the equipment, data of interest, notifications or special functions. To learn more about them, what they are and how they work, here we tell you everything about it.
What are widgets?
Widgets is a very generic English word that describes very specific functions which do not have a particular name. In computing, a widget is used to describe shortcuts to applications that offer information or allow us to interact with a service.
When we talk about a widget on android is having access to information directly on the computer screen. For example, the time through a clock, weather conditions, current news, activating Wi-Fi, notes, music players, calendars, among others.
Even we can configure a widget to link to a WhatsApp contact and access this chat quickly without having to enter the app. This is what is known as a "launcher" that takes us directly to the function without having to go through the root program.
Mobile phones can include widgets by default or if the user prefers, they can also add new ones or remove them. The goal is to configure your home screen with shortcuts to apps or app functions according to your needs.
How to activate a widget on Android
Adding a widget on Android is easy, the most complicated thing will be choosing among so many options which one you want to enable. It is important to note that some apps may not appear in the list and this will depend on whether or not they have a widget to use. Let's see how to access this view and how to add them to the home screen:
- Locate the main screen of your Android.
- Press and hold the screen for a few seconds, but do it in a section where there is nothing.
- You will see how the interface changes and transitions to an editing design.
- At the bottom a series of icons are enabled and one in particular called «widgets«.
- Enter it and all the applications that are compatible with a widget will appear.
- Depending on the model and version of your operating system, you will see some options such as "suggestions" or "system tools."
- Select an app from the list and add it to the home screen.
- When it is placed you can keep it pressed for a few seconds to change the screen or position.
Widgets can be configured by size depending on the view you have active. They can be 1×1, 4×1 or 4×4 icons, with the latter being the largest version. Some have the option to manually resize them, for example the Google search bar.
If you want to delete any of them, press and hold the app for a few seconds and tap "delete." Be careful not to touch "uninstall", this causes the app to disappear from your phone completely. What did you think of this information about Android widgets?