Home screens & widgets

A widget is an element that gives the user a view inside the application, providing instant access to its content without having to open the application. Applications provide widgets as miniature representations of themselves, promoting the essential and most interesting parts of the content. They can be compared to store front windows that display a selection of the goods available inside. Widgets complement applications, not replace them.

A widget is an element that gives the user a view inside the application, providing instant access to its content without having to open the application. Applications provide widgets as miniature representations of themselves, promoting the essential and most interesting parts of the content. They can be compared to store front windows that display a selection of the goods available inside. Widgets complement applications, not replace them.

A widget’s relevance will solely depend on the context that it is designed for. The amount of content and functionality will vary according to the need a widget is trying to fulfill in a given context.

Heads up means being able to spend less time focusing on the device and more time interacting with the real world around you. Widgets provide an important tool in providing a heads up experience, by allowing the user to quickly glance, look or interact with the device without completely isolating the user from the external world.

Widgets let each user make their device unique, giving quick access to functions specific to their interests. No two devices will look the same. Multiple Home screens allow users to create themed pages that place related content together on one screen in a mash up format. The Home screens form a device dashboard and give the user tools to manage their lives with the assistance of the device, by monitoring, initiating and responding to tasks.