Latest news with #widgets
Android Authority
20-07-2025
- Android Authority
These are the 6 Android widgets I simply can't live without
Megan Ellis / Android Authority From calendars to reminder apps, everyone has their own list of the best Android widgets. For me, widgets help me get overviews of various things without needing to open up the app that they're linked to. I recently switched to a new smartphone, and while there are certain things I do whenever I set up a new phone, I also realized that I needed to refresh some of my widget setups. As a result, these ones have become indispensable to my daily routine. 1. TickTick Megan Ellis / Android Authority TickTick is the best to-do list app in my opinion, and its widgets also help to keep me organized. On an average day, my executive functioning is impaired — meaning I often forget tasks and need frequent reminders to get things done. But lately, I've also been particularly forgetful due to stress. TickTick's widgets have become another way I keep on top of tasks without overwhelming myself with notifications. I use two widgets from TickTick: one to quickly create new tasks, and one that gives me an overview of all overdue and upcoming tasks. In addition to the regular reminders that TickTick sends me for tasks, the widgets help me quickly get an overview of what I need to do without needing to remember to open up the app. 2. Google Calendar Megan Ellis / Android Authority While I've started using TickTick's widget to tackle my increasing forgetfulness, Google Calendar's widget has been a mainstay on my devices for years. It's not the most attractive widget, but it gets the job done. With the month widget on my secondary home screen, I can get a good look at all my upcoming events and meetings. Calendar helps me when I have events I need to prepare for, such as trips to local phone launches. This also helps me when I have events I need to prepare for, such as trips to local phone launches. In these cases, a reminder a day before wouldn't really help me prepare. But seeing the entire month on a small widget lets me ensure that I get the right groceries, shift any recurring appointments, and see which days I will need to put more hours into my work to get it done. I have been playing around with the Month: Calendar Widget app to see if I can find a more visually appealing look while still pulling the appointments and events that are saved to my Google Calendar. But so far, I continue to rely on Google Calendar thanks to dark mode. 3. Vocabulary Megan Ellis / Android Authority Vocabulary is one of the apps I use to learn something new every day. With notifications enabled, it sends me words that it thinks I'll be interested in learning. But on days where I receive too many notifications across different apps, I often dismiss all my notifications at once. The Vocabulary widget lets me learn new words even when I'm overwhelmed by notifications. The widget lets me reap the benefits of the app even if I don't open it up. It refreshes once or twice an hour (though the frequency can be set to more regularly), so usually whenever I check my phone I am greeted by a new word. 4. Clock/Weather Megan Ellis / Android Authority There are plenty of clock and weather apps to choose from, but the default Weather app on my HONOR smartphone lets me combine the time, date, and weather forecast into a single widget on my home screen. This is especially useful when I'm waking up in the morning and want to get an idea of what the weather is like outside. I do wish that there was a way to quickly see the forecast for the next few days, but I use a Google automation to send me the next few days' weather outlook during the evening. I have also set up an IFTTT notification to warn me if the weather is going to be above a certain temperature. If you're looking for an app with similar functionality to HONOR's clock and weather widget, you can try an app like Digital Clock & Weather Widget. 5. Brave Search Megan Ellis / Android Authority I switched from Chrome to Brave a few months ago, and I am glad I made the change. I love Brave's features and find its search engine to be better than Google's ad-ridden rival. When exploring widgets on my new phone, I realized that I can replace the usual Google Search widget with one that uses Brave Search instead. The widget gives me quick access to a search query in Brave and the ability to voice search. I also prefer using the Brave widget over my usual Brave app shortcut so that I don't get distracted by my most recent tab — which can sometimes send me down a rabbit hole if it's a topic I'm interested in. 6. Xiaomi Home Megan Ellis / Android Authority I was initially excited for Google Home to roll out more useful widgets, but the app is incredibly buggy for me in general. It often shows my devices as offline even when they're not, so the widgets are of no use to me. Rather, I use Xiaomi Home's widgets for quick access to my most important smart home devices. Google Home is very buggy for me, so I use Xiaomi Home's widgets instead. I've set up two Xiaomi Home widgets on my smartphone: one for my smart camera, and another for my smart fan. These are the smart devices I access the most, so the shortcuts are incredibly useful. On a recent trip, I used the camera widget to quickly access my home's video feed to check that everything was fine back home. Easier access to my camera also means that I use the camera more frequently, often to check up on one of my cats when he hasn't come to bed. Since it's winter now, I don't use my smart fan shortcut as much. But it's essential in summer to quickly turn my fan on and off at night. It also proved useful during autumn, when the weather was inconsistent and I would only realize after I went to sleep if I needed to turn the fan on or off to keep a comfortable temperature. While everyone will have their own widget preferences depending on the services they use, these widgets have become essential to the way I use my phone. They save me time and prevent me from getting easily distracted by directly accessing the features I need.
Android Authority
17-06-2025
- Android Authority
This iPhone feature is the only reason I haven't switched back to a Pixel phone
Ryan Haines / Android Authority I often find myself shuffling between phones — sometimes as frequently as switching handsets every week. And I make sure to replicate my home screen layout on each Android phone so that I don't feel unfamiliar when switching and my muscle memory doesn't act up either. But every single one of those Android phones teases my inner urge to have everything look visually organized. When you have a bunch of widgets — all different shapes and sizes — plastered across multiple home pages, it ends up looking haphazard, no matter how much you try. I flinch every time I glance at my home screen on Android, and that's one big reason I dread going back to a Pixel as my primary phone. The iPhone is known to be very controlling about how things appear on the screen, even for third-party apps and widgets. And in this case, I honestly think it's a good thing. My home screen on the iPhone looks far more organized and pleasing to the eye just because of one feature: stacked widgets. With them, I can do a lot more on the same screen size instead of filling up ten home pages to house all my widgets. Ryan Haines / Android Authority Yes, I am a widget freak. But more than that, I'm someone who's a sucker for clean aesthetics — and I flinch every time I glance at my home screen on Android. It's something you stare at all day long, and that's one big reason I dread going back to a Pixel as my primary phone — even though Android 16 has me seriously tempted. Do you want to see stacked widgets on Pixels? 1 votes Yes 0 % No 100 % Android vs iOS: Stacked widgets edition Stacked widgets are an ingenious way of saving space — and saving me from having to swipe through endless pages. I check traffic using the Google Maps widget twice a day and run my robot vacuum once in the morning. I do need those shortcuts, but they don't have to be in my face all the time, right? On my Pixel, each widget occupies a permanent spot, whether I need it at the moment or not. And the inconsistency is just jarring, with different shapes, sizes, and corner radii that turn the whole screen into visual clutter. My LG AC widget awkwardly sits in a 1×1 slot while another smart home control eats up a 2×2 grid — both doing the same thing. It's insufferably chaotic, at least to my nit-picking eyes. iPhone iPhone Pixel OnePlus In comparison, my home screen setup on the iPhone 16 Pro Max looks cleaner and calming to my nerves. All my smart home products are stacked into a single widget — whether it's an LG device or a no-name smart plug. I just scroll through the stack to find the one I'm looking for. The same goes for my search stack. I use multiple search and AI tools — Google, Perplexity, and ChatGPT — and I can cycle through them to start an instant search without each one separately hogging screen space. More importantly, I can turn these into smart stacks — something iPhones have handled well even before AI became a cool buzzword. My phone now surfaces the world clock widget at the same time each day before I call my loved ones halfway across the world, while the stock market widget quietly disappears after the evening frenzy checks during a market crash. That's not to say Apple's implementation is flawless. For instance, I wish Apple would offer a smaller size (say a 2×1 grid, vertically or horizontally), especially for widgets that only need a single tap. But still, there's so much value in stacked widgets that I didn't fully grasp until I had them — and now I just want Google to bring its own version to Pixels. What would Pixels need to do? Stacked widgets may look simple, but on Android, they'd be a pain to implement, mostly because of fragmentation. Google would need to take up the herculean task of aligning its millions of developers to make widgets in standardized sizes. But even that won't solve everything, because Android lets you customize grid sizes on your home screen, which complicates things further. Ryan Haines / Android Authority Frankly, if Google hasn't been able to get app developers to adopt themed app icons — with many still stubbornly clinging to their colorful logos — I'm not too confident it can pull off universal widget sizing, at least soon enough. But there's still hope. Third-party developers have found workarounds, which makes me believe I'm not the only one frustrated by this gap. Your current options When it comes to Android, I am married to Pixel phones for their clean (read: superior) experience and day-one OS updates. So I want stacked widgets on my Pixel by default, without resorting to launchers or UI hacks. But if you aren't as stubborn as I am, you've got plenty of options. Samsung added native support for stacked widgets a few One UI versions ago — so technically, Android has had this feature for a while now. It's just the Pixel that's missing in action. Andy Walker / Android Authority And others aren't entirely out of luck either. You can install third-party launchers like Action, Smart Launcher, or Niagara to get a stacked widget experience that I have been craving on Pixels. Just know that most of these solutions only let you stack similarly sized widgets — or stretch them awkwardly to fit, resulting in zoomed-in content or excessive padding. So these solutions are far from perfect, but they are still better than nothing. There's so much value in stacked widgets that I didn't fully grasp until I had them — and now I just want Google to bring its own version to Pixels. The only real fix is Google stepping in. It recently did something similar with Live Updates — bringing features together from Samsung, OnePlus, and other OEMs into a unified experience. So yeah, it could do the same for widgets if it really tried. Until that happens, I'll keep sighing every time I swipe past the visual mess on my Pixel while quietly enjoying the neat order on my iPhone.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- The Sun
The 3 hidden iPhone settings that are draining your battery & the quick fixes to make that will save you hundreds
IPHONE users have been warned that there are three hidden buttons that are drastically reducing your devices battery life. Mobile batteries are known for getting worse over time - in worst case scenarios, users have to carry portable chargers around and give their gadgets battery boosts throughout the day. This can be incredibly stressful for users, who might need Google Maps to get home or send an urgent text to a family member. However, even if your device is a few years old, you shouldn't need to replace it just because the battery life h as dwindled. Instead, you should be able to improve its ability to hold charge with just a few simple clicks. 1. Turn Off Widgets The widgets on iPhone lock screens, such as the weather or calendar updates, all run in the background and are constantly using data to keep them updated. This means that they are draining power, even when you are not using your phone. Turning off your widgets completely is the best way to save power, and the easiest way to do this is to switch to another lock screen, that doesn't have any widgets on it. 4 To do this, simply press your finger down on your existing lock screen, and then scroll across to a lock screen that doesn't have any widgets. Or, if you want to remove the widgets from your existing lock screen, you can hold it down, click on customise, tap on the widget box, and then delete any widgets that you don't want. Reduce The Motion Of Your iPhone User Interface The iPhone user interface uses animations, such as the pop of colour that appears when you activate Siri and the 'slam' effect that makes text messages seem to pop out of the screen. Whilst these can be fun and entertaining, they are very draining for your battery. 'Supersonic' new battery fully charges phones in less than five minutes & users cry out to have that 'insane speed' now If you want subtler animations, that use less power, you can use this by heading to Settings, clicking to Accessibility and then Motion and Reduce Motion. 4 Switch Off Keyboard Vibration iPhones have a feature called "haptic feedback" which gives each key a vibration. This feature was added to iOS 16 to give users a more immersive experience. However, according to the Apple support page it "might affect the battery life of your phone." Apple does not explain why this drains battery, but its best to turn this feature off if you're keen to conserve your battery. Haptic feedback is not enabled by default, but if you have turned it on, you can easily disable the feature. iPhone tricks to try today Here are some of the best... Typing cursor – When typing, hold down the space bar to turn your keyboard into a trackpad, letting you move around words and sentences more easily Close all Safari tabs – To do this in one go, simply hold the overlapped squares in the bottom right-hand corner, and press close all tabs Delete lots of photos quickly – Hold down on a photo and then drag your finger diagonally in Photos to select lots of images at once, then hit delete Convert currency quickly – Swipe down from the top of your Home screen (or swipe left to right on an iPhone X or later model), then tap in the bar and type a currency (like $200) and it will automatically covert to your local currency Check if you're due a battery upgrade – Batteries inside smartphones degrade over time. Just go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health, and check out the Maximum Capacity reading. Generally a battery is considered worn when you're down to 80% capacity. If you're below, you can buy a battery swap from Apple Move apps around faster – Hold an app until it starts wiggling, then (while still holding) tap other apps, causing them to stack so you can move them around easier Simply go to Settings, Sounds and Haptics, Keyboard Feedback and then turn off Haptic. If you want to check your battery health, you can do this by heading to Settings, Battery and then Battery Health and Charging. This feature allows you to check your battery health percentage (anything over 80% is considered good) and will show you whether your battery is "normal." When your battery health has begun to dwindle, you may be tempted to fork out for a new handset. However, this can cost you hundreds, and means you are wasting an otherwise perfectly good phone. Instead, head to the Apple store, and you can replace your iPhone battery for a much cheaper cost.
Android Authority
28-05-2025
- Business
- Android Authority
One UI 8 goes big with supersized widget customization
Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR One UI 8 introduces a new size setting for widgets. Users can now have their widgets take up four rows. Previously, the limit to how big a widget could be was 3×4. Adding a widget to your Galaxy phone's home screen can let you see information at a glance, like today's weather. The bigger the widget is, the more space there is for additional information, such as the forecast for the next few days. Shrinking or expanding the size can also make a widget more visually appealing. However, Samsung doesn't let you resize your widget anyway you want; there are fixed sizes you are forced to adhere to. Although widget sizes are still fixed in One UI 8, at least Galaxy owners are getting an additional size option. Galaxy S25 owners are starting to gain access to the beta for One UI 8 today. While it doesn't introduce drastic updates like One UI 7 did, it does add a few notable changes you should be aware of. One of these changes involves how big you can make a widget. One UI 7 widget One UI 8 widget Previously, the limit to how big you could make a widget on a Galaxy device was three rows. You can see an example of this in the screenshot to the left. In One UI 8, however, you can now go a step further and take up four rows. This is represented in the screenshot above, to the right. It appears that all widgets that previously supported the 3×4 size now support 4×4. This is far from the only change One UI 8 has to offer. We also recently discovered that the update adds deeper integration for older Galaxy Buds models, calls and Do Not Disturb status on Now Bar, and more. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Geeky Gadgets
25-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
iPhone Widgets Made Easy: Your Complete Guide to Adding & Editing
Widgets are a powerful feature on your iPhone, offering quick access to essential app information directly from your home screen, lock screen, or Today View. By customizing widgets, you can optimize your device's functionality, tailoring it to your unique needs. The video below from Apple provides a detailed walkthrough on how to add, edit, resize, and organize widgets, helping you create a more efficient and personalized iPhone experience. Watch this video on YouTube. Adding Widgets to the Home Screen Customizing your home screen starts with adding widgets. These tools allow you to display key app information at a glance, saving time and effort. To add widgets to your home screen, follow these steps: Enter edit mode by touching and holding an app, widget, or empty area on your screen until the apps start to jiggle. Tap the '+' button in the top-left corner to open the widget gallery. Browse the available widgets or use the search bar to locate a specific one. Select a widget, then choose its size—small, medium, or large—depending on how much information you want displayed. Drag the widget to your desired location on the home screen. Tap 'Done' in the top-right corner to save your changes. Once placed, widgets can be rearranged or resized to better fit your layout. To resize, touch and hold the widget, then drag its corners to adjust its dimensions. This flexibility ensures your home screen remains both organized and functional, allowing you to prioritize the information that matters most. Customizing the Lock Screen with Widgets Widgets on the lock screen provide instant access to critical information without requiring you to unlock your device. This feature is particularly useful for staying informed on the go. To customize your lock screen widgets: Touch and hold the lock screen until the 'Customize' option appears, then tap it. Tap the widget area below the clock to add or modify widgets. Select widgets such as Calendar, Weather, or Activity Rings to display relevant updates. Remove widgets by tapping the '-' icon or rearrange them by dragging and dropping. Tap 'Done' to save your changes once you're satisfied with the layout. Lock screen widgets are designed to provide quick updates, such as weather conditions or upcoming events, without navigating through multiple screens. This feature enhances convenience and ensures you stay connected to essential information. Using Widgets in Today View The Today View, accessible by swiping right from the home or lock screen, serves as a centralized space for widgets. It's an ideal location for grouping widgets from multiple apps in one place. To customize the Today View: Enter edit mode by touching and holding anywhere in the Today View until the widgets jiggle. Tap the '+' button to open the widget gallery and select a widget to add. Drag and drop widgets to rearrange their order or resize them as needed. Tap 'Done' to finalize your layout. This feature is perfect for organizing frequently used widgets, creating a hub for quick access to your most important tools. For instance, you can group productivity apps, news updates, and fitness trackers in one convenient location. Optimizing Your iPhone with Widgets Mastering widget customization can significantly improve your iPhone's usability. Whether you're adding app shortcuts to your home screen, placing weather updates on your lock screen, or organizing productivity tools in the Today View, widgets offer a flexible and efficient way to access information. With features like drag-and-drop placement, resizing options, and the ability to group widgets, you can design a layout that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. By taking full advantage of these tools, you can transform your iPhone into a device that seamlessly supports your daily activities, making sure that the information you need is always at your fingertips. Unlock more potential in iPhone widgets by reading the previous articles we have written. Source & Image Credit: Apple Support Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
