Widget - what is it in simple words, how to install and configure it


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Time does not stand still. Computer technology is developing rapidly, and the vocabulary of PC and mobile device users is constantly updated with new words. Unfamiliar names often confuse people, forcing us to think about their meaning. Therefore, we’ll talk about how to add and install a widget on the phone screen, what it means to set it up and install it on the desktop, we’ll tell you how to set it up, install it, connect it to Android, and also where to find, enable, open and download the full menu; so where is all this located?

  • Main varieties
      By appearance
  • According to the installation location
  • Application type
  • Features of desktop-widgets
  • Features of web widgets
      Interactive
  • Non-interactive
  • What is a widget feed?
  • Why do you need widgets on your phone and how to install them
  • What is the Messages app?
  • Popup windows
  • Callback widget
  • Countdown timer
  • Let's sum it up
  • What does it mean

    This concept is often used in relation to ordinary sidebars, which is completely wrong. It is also incorrect to call a visual interface element it. However, in the past it was indeed synonymous with it. The word widget is translated from English as some kind of device.

    In the generally accepted meaning, it is a compact application program aimed at performing specified functions. They can be a desktop addition, a means of messaging, information, etc. Representatives of online businesses often use them on their websites in order to attract the attention of visitors.

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    What does the term widget mean?

    Most people use them daily and don't pay attention to it. In social networks, browsers, and Android OS they are presented in the form of time counters, weather informers and other icons that launch programs.

    The leading function of these visual elements is to attract site visitors. Owners of trading platforms are interested in actively selling their goods and services. These information blocks help them in collecting information about the target audience.

    In addition, the widget allows users to subscribe to mailing messages from a resource that interests them, order a call back, etc. And of course, the most important thing is why widgets are needed: they help provide information to users as conveniently and clearly as possible, making the presentation of content simple and understandable.

    How to remove a widget on your home screen

    When you find the widget, tap and hold the icon until you see four edges showing on the borders.

    After the border icon is shown, a trash can or “Delete” option will appear at the top of the screen - drag the widget there, this will completely remove it from the main screen.

    From this article you will learn how to install widgets on Android phones and tablets.

    Widgets are interactive elements that consist of shortcuts and icons. They are located on the home screen and lock screen, giving you quick access to features or information.

    Widget types:

    • The first provides access to quick access to functions: communication settings, wireless connections, quick startup
    • programs. The second is designed to display information of interest, for example, the current time or weather forecast.

    Often, widgets combine information and control functions, for example: - it displays information about RAM loading and allows you to clean it in one click. They can be distributed bundled with the application or as a separate application.

    This approach is common not only on mobile devices; similar interface elements can also be found on desktop PCs. In general, widgets allow you to speed up the work process and make it much more comfortable, which is very important for mobile devices with touch input.

    Installation, aka downloading

    Widgets can be downloaded from our website - and they are installed as application standards.

    After installation, all you have to do is place them on your desktop. Android 3.0 - 5.0+ go to the main menu and scroll through it to the “Widgets” tab. There will be a list of all available elements that can be added to the desktop; you just need to select the one you need using a long press and place it in a free area of ​​the appropriate size on one of the desktops. After this, you can customize the widget, if provided by the developer. For example, for weather forecasts you can usually choose the icon style, temperature scale, etc.

    Android 1.6 - 2.3.3 long press on an empty area of ​​the home screen and click “Widgets” in the menu that appears.

    Main varieties

    These interface elements differ from each other not only visually. No less pronounced discrepancies are the functionality and installation location.

    By appearance

    Externally they are very diverse. These could be toppers - strips with buttons at the very top of the display. With their help, you can collect contacts, find out about ongoing promotions and established discounts. A similar information object located below is called a flor.

    These also include pop-up windows, which appear in large numbers in front of the user when visiting various resources. Most often they contain offers or leave contact information.

    When understanding the word widget and trying to explain in simple terms what it is, you need to remember about labels. Their purpose is to provide feedback.

    According to the installation location

    They are divided into desktop widgets and web applications. The first option is intended for placement on the desktop, the second - directly for web pages. On network resources you can find both text and visual types of programs. With their help, the user can log in to the site without making significant efforts, share information, generate an invitation, post their own texts or images, activate the game, etc. Developers know what it means to add a widget and how to install it on site pages. Thanks to this, every visitor to a web resource has the opportunity to interact with them and perform the necessary actions.

    What is a widget on Android and how to add it to your desktop

    What is a widget on Android and how to add it to your desktop . One of the first concepts that we come across when we begin to master our first Android tablet or phone is a widget. What is a widget?

    A widget is a small program, or part of a program, that is located on the desktop of a device and is designed to display information, control the device’s equipment, and at the same time can launch another program of which it is a part.

    For example, there are widgets that can be used to display information such as processor load, battery status, current weather information, and more. There are widgets with which you can quickly turn on or off GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, speakers and control other equipment of your Android device. There are widgets such as weather widgets, which display information about the current weather and weather forecast on the screen, and which can call the weather application of which they are part.

    Widgets can have different sizes - from a minimum size of 1x1, in the style of a regular shortcut, to full screen.

    As you can see, everything is very simple - a widget is a program that “lives” on the screen of your tablet or phone and allows you to control it, receive the necessary information, and so on.

    Now let's figure out how to add a widget to your desktop. It is not enough just to install a widget on your device like any other application; it also needs to be placed on the desktop.

    In Android version 3.0 and higher, you can add a widget using fairly simple manipulations:

    1. Click on the cross icon located in the upper right corner of the screen

    2. In the window that opens, at the bottom of it you will see lists of widgets, application shortcuts, wallpapers and other things installed on your tablet or phone. At the top of the window there is a list of desktops.

    3. Tap on “Widgets” and select the desired widget from the list below (the list can be scrolled right and left). The widget will be placed on the current desktop.

    In addition, you can simply drag the desired widget onto any of the desktops.

    In earlier versions of Android, installing widgets on the screen is done a little differently:

    1. Press and hold with your finger on an empty area of ​​the tablet or phone screen.

    2. In the menu that opens, select “Widgets”

    3. A list will open with widgets installed on the device.

    4. Select the desired widget from the list by tapping on it, and it will be placed on the screen of your device.

    Widgets can be moved around the device screen.
    To do this, you need to press and hold your finger on it, and then move the widget to a new position. In Android 3.0 and above, you can resize some widgets. To do this, you need to select the widget on the screen with a long tap on it, and then change its size by pulling the frame in the place indicated by the diamond-shaped icon. See also - Android - General

    Application type

    Widget can be presented in a variety of variations:

    • Yandex allows you to place mini-applications such as time timers, news informers, traffic jam data collectors, etc. Any of them is supported without problems by common operating systems and browsers.
    • In previous versions of Windows, interface elements are located on the desktop. In Windows 8, a specific area is allocated for their location. It can host calendars, clocks, compact games or user-configured sites.
    • A number of Apple operating systems provide a separate layer - a dashboard. You can see it by pressing the F12 key.
    • Opera has made great progress in this regard. Applications based on it work on any device, as long as it is equipped with an appropriate browser.

    How to find Widgets?

    If your phone does not have the necessary software, you need to download it. Finding information products is easy. There are free versions available. They are downloaded from the Play Market. After finding an option, you need to install it. You can do this like this:

    • The file is downloaded to your mobile phone. After this, the installer is launched. This method is suitable if there is a connected network;
    • Download and add a file with the .apk extension. After downloading, installation is performed. You can download this via a PC with connected traffic.

    After the operation is completed, the object is transferred to the device. It is being installed. In certain versions of Android OS, the list can be opened through applications.

    You will need to click on a special option. It will open a list of previously downloaded applications. It looks like a button with three dots. You can find it at the bottom of the screen. The product is removed by the same long press and dragging of the shortcut.

    Features of desktop-widgets

    Such mini-programs run on a specific operating platform.

    But first you need to know how to find widgets. You can do this by turning to different sources: find them among the preinstalled ones or download them from the Internet.

    Typically, elements can be easily moved across the display, and their parameters and design can be adjusted. So, in the seventh version of Windows and other operating systems there is a time counter. To place it on your desktop, just press one key. The system time will be available to the user at all times. However, to install the same weather forecast, you will already need a network connection.

    Where can I download widgets for Android devices? Can they be found in the Play Market?

    You can download these useful programs on almost any resource that is dedicated to applications and games for Android. There are special sections for this. Below is a list of websites that distribute such programs:

    • TrashBox (https://trashbox.ru/apps/android/widget/);
    • Top-androids (https://top-androids.ru/widgets/);
    • FreeSoft (https://freesoft.ru/android/widgets);
    • Programmy-dlya-android (https://programmy-dlya-android.ru/vidzhety/).

    Important! It is not recommended to download any games and programs from unofficial resources (developer’s website or the official Play Market digital store). There is a chance of getting a virus or miner into your operating system, which can have serious consequences for the correct operation of the gadget and the confidentiality of personal data stored on it.

    You cannot simply install a third-party program from an unofficial source. This will be prevented by a system of protection against unwanted software. To disable it, you must:

    1. Turn on or unlock your device.
    2. Go to its main menu and click on the “Settings” application icon.
    3. Select "Security".
    4. Among all other settings, select the “Unknown sources” option and activate it.

    Note! The setting may be called "Allow installation of programs from unknown sources." It also needs to be switched to the “Active” state.

    You can also download widgets from the official Play Market. To do this, you need to enter the name of the program you are interested in in the search. They are usually named after the functions they perform. Next, you simply download and install, and then place the microapplication interface on the desktop in the usual way.


    If you have permission to download programs and games only from the Play Store, you can cancel it

    Thus, it was explained what Android widgets are, what types they come in and how to install them correctly. Today, on the Internet, there are a lot of really good and useful firmware that can significantly improve the usability of your phone and simply simplify your life through quick access to certain information. They are available for download both from the official store and from other online sources. To install the latter, you will need special permission in the gadget settings.

    Features of web widgets

    Such applications are located directly on websites. They can be made in the form of a window leading to a third-party resource. At the same time, a web document is loaded into the program itself. Thus, not only different options are combined on one page, but also sites. This combination provides high functionality.

    Interactive

    These include interface elements whose operation can be influenced by the user himself. For example, send short messages, enter route planning data, etc.

    Absolutely all users are familiar with them. Everyone has icon-buttons “VKontakte”, “Instagram”, “Twitter” and others on their mobile screen or PC monitor. They are mounted on the website so that visitors can share exciting information. This is a kind of confirmation that if information is disseminated, it means it is useful and can interest users.

    Non-interactive

    They differ from interactive ones in that their work cannot be influenced. They display content regardless of user actions.

    These include any informers: calendars, exchange rate certificates, weather forecasts.

    What is a widget feed?

    This is an auxiliary screen that contains various icons and modules. Its top area displays the date and search string. A little lower is usually the “Settings” button. The field that opens when you click contains various elements. It can be:

    • “shortcuts” with which you can quickly open applications;
    • “notes”, in which it is convenient to make short notes;
    • “events” that allow you not to forget about important matters;
    • “security” that controls the presence of unnecessary data and possible threats.

    Why do you need widgets on your phone and how to install them

    Life without a mobile device is now simply impossible. Modern means of communication are equipped with appropriate elements that cannot be dispensed with. The battery charge level and the amount of free memory are what the user pays attention to first. No less important are control applications responsible for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the functioning of other equipment.

    It is impossible not to note the purely visual appeal of the mini-program buttons that decorate the interface, making it not only convenient, but also stylish. Of course, all the data provided by widgets can be found independently on the Internet.

    But with their help it will be possible to do this much easier and faster.

    Based on your own interests and preferences, you can easily select the right applications for your mobile phone and receive only the information that is necessary. In an attempt to stand out among competitors, developers are constantly improving, introducing new unique programs for each device model.

    The question: where to get and how to configure widgets is very easy to solve. You need to go into your phone settings and select the required elements from those offered. If unexpected difficulties arise during the installation process, you can get guidance on what to do through the “Help” option.

    How to add widgets on Android

    The first step in adding a widget to your home screen is to reduce the space on your home screen where you want to place the widget. This may not seem like an important step, but keep in mind that if you place a widget on a crowded home screen, it will interfere with organization by creating space and moving old icons and widgets to other places. other pages.

    So if you're particular about organizing their home screen, it's best to choose a blank page for the new widget, or leave enough space for the widget so it doesn't move around. Start screen contents. Once you are done allocating space for the widget, follow these steps to add the widget to your Android device:

    What is the Messages app?

    Entrepreneurs who launch their business activities on the Internet try to establish communication with customers. The ability to interact directly with customers plays an important role in the development and successful functioning of trading platforms.

    Mini-applications in the form of buttons or dialog boxes allow visitors of a commercial resource to correspond with a representative of the selling company. Buyers can obtain detailed information about the product and find out all the nuances regarding the services provided by the company. It's very convenient, fast and completely free.

    When installing a message widget, you should take into account some useful tips:

    • It is better to place it at the very bottom.
    • A resource visitor should be able to collapse or close an element at any time.
    • The company employee responsible for feedback is required to answer customer questions very quickly. Otherwise, there is no point in using the program.
    • The client needs to see the consultant’s status (is he busy or free), and the presence of other operators in the chat.
    • A good idea would be to post a photo of the person answering. A personal photo is more credible and attracts attention.
    • Don’t forget about appropriate communication to users. It should be emotional and conducive to solving the problem that has arisen.

    Part 2: How to get rid of widgets on my Android phone

    What to do if the widget is stuck on the home screen? How to remove widgets on a Samsung tablet? If you don't know how to remove widgets on your Android tablet, then you've just come to the right place. Below are the solutions to remove and remove widgets efficiently. Just read and follow.

    How to remove a widget from your locked screen

    Step 1. Make the lock icon visible

    When a new widget appears, you can always see a padlock at the bottom. If you don't see it, you can expand the list of widgets to find this icon.

    Step 2. Remove widget from lock screen

    Touch and hold any widget you want to remove, then drag it to the Remove section at the top. This widget will then disappear from your Android lock screen.

    Remove widgets from Google Play Store

    Step 1. Access all your Android apps

    Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet. Click the Menu icon in the top left corner. Then select the “My apps and games” option from the list.

    Step 2. Remove Google Widget from Home Screen

    You can see all available applications. Find and select the application you want to remove. Then select "Delete" and click "OK" to remove widgets from Google Play Store on Android.

    Remove widgets from settings app

    Step 1. Launch Settings on Android

    Turn on your Android phone and select the Settings app. Scroll down to "Applications" in its list. For some Android models, you can select Application Manager instead.

    Step 2. Remove widgets from Android settings

    Tap All to access all Android apps. Then select the widget you want to remove. Select "Delete" in the top right corner. When the “You want to delete this app” notification appears, click “OK” to confirm.

    Well, these are the general and effective solutions that you can take to remove Samsung widgets and other digital devices. Hence, you can remove widgets on any locked or unlocked Android device freely.

    Related materials:

    The competitive struggle to attract customers' attention to their products forces manufacturers to provide users with more and more innovative features that are designed to make it easier for owners to communicate with their devices on a daily basis.

    However, often, for some users, these innovations are nothing more than another annoying option and more of a source of headaches than benefit. This time, according to many users, Google overdid it by introducing new lock screen features in the new version of Android 4.2 , such as widgets and access to the Camera application.

    Everything would be fine if the developers gave us the ability to control this (sometimes really useful) option. But no, this feature is not provided in the new version of Jelly Bean.

    Fortunately, there is a very effective way out of this situation. This is a simple Android app that can be found on the Google Play Store and is the perfect solution for all Android 4.2 Jelly Bean users who want to go back to the old Android 4.1 style lock screen.

    All you need to do this is install the Lockscreen Policy , launch it and give it administrator rights.

    The application's interface is very simple - there are only a couple of switches, one of which is for turning on/off the camera on the lock screen, and the other for widgets. By disabling the camera, you no longer have to worry about accidentally accessing your device's camera when you accidentally unlock its screen.

    Likewise, by disabling widgets, you won't have to worry about someone being able to view SMS or Gmail on your device on the lock screen.

    After that, just like in Android 4.1, you will be able to open Google search (with an upward swipe) and also access notifications (with a downward swipe from the notification panel).

    Before deleting an application from your phone or tablet, be sure to remove it from the device administrator list. This can be done in the settings menu, in the “Device Administrators” section

    Download Lockscreen Policy in Google Play Store.

    Related materials:

    Don't forget to share the information with your friends:

    You can then choose a swipe, pattern, PIN or password.

    Popup windows

    When figuring out what the word widget means, you can easily come across a lot of negative reviews regarding this type of application. That’s right, any visitor to a network site begins to get annoyed if he has not yet managed to find the right thing or information, and another “tempting offer” jumps up on the screen, interfering with viewing the page.

    The content of the message is often not related to the subject of the search. A person may be looking for a vacuum cleaner, but he is intrusively offered to buy skis, but at a very favorable price. It is impossible to close the annoying window because the treasured cross is not visible on it. Naturally, in such a situation, the overwhelming number of people simply leave the site and never return to it.

    To avoid this, you must use widget correctly:

    • The pop-up element should not appear immediately. The visitor needs to be given time to look at the products he is interested in or find information.
    • The content of the message must correspond to the user's request. You should not offer a pot to a person when he is looking for a hair loss remedy.
    • The user should not have problems closing the window at any time.

    Callback widget

    When used correctly, it significantly increases the efficiency of the resource:

    • It is recommended to place it at the bottom of the page on the right side. For display, they usually take an image of a bright-colored handset (red, blue, purple, etc.).
    • The element should not be overloaded with a lot of unnecessary information. It is enough to indicate the time period during which the operator will call the interested user back.
    • The mini-application should not cover other parts of the interface and content.

    Countdown timer

    With the help of such a counter, the buyer will see how much time is left until the end of the next special offer or promotion. Realizing that the opportunity to make a profitable purchase is limited, a person is more likely to rush to purchase the product. When placing, you should also remember a number of mandatory conditions:

    • You cannot intentionally mislead the user by informing him about non-existent offers. If the buyer notices that the numbers on the scoreboard have not changed since yesterday, this will fundamentally undermine confidence in the site.
    • Some websites are guilty of incorrect placement of such elements. They place them in the center, making it impossible to close or at least move to the side the counter that interferes with viewing the contents of the platform. This cannot be done. The visitor should be able to easily control the position of the timer, hide it, or move it as desired.
    • Also, the widget doesn't need to be shown too often. If it pops up every couple of minutes, the user may simply leave the resource with intrusive and unnecessary information.
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