Formerly, android widgets They not only had a place on the desktop, but on the lock screen. They ended up being displaced, but now you can give them their own space again using a side widget drawer on Android.
Widgets disappeared from the lock screen and now only have a place on the desktop
Over time, all of this was banned and left behind. The reasons? Basically, the notifications They took this location because they were considered more relevant and secure. Furthermore, if we consider utilities such as Ambient Display and other always-on display features, the result is that there are enough substitutes that you won't miss widgets on the lock screen. However, it's also true that Its use decreased, something that remains true to this day in many devices.
By limiting oneself to the desktop, one loses useful spacePeople tend to opt for more common widgets such as At a glance The Pixel Launcher embraces a certain minimalism that reduces the amount of persistent information on the screen. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does leave out the enormous potential of widgets as a productivity tool, shortcuts and advanced multitasking.
If you like widgets and really want to use them more than you do, a good option is to have a Side drawer of widgets on Android...on a screen with the same style as Google Feed, which unfolds from the edge and can be accessed with a simple gesture. These types of solutions work very similarly to... smart side bars offered by some manufacturers or the Edge panels of other mobile phones, but focusing specifically on applications, shortcuts, settings and floating widgets.
The idea is to turn one side of the screen into a Always accessible launcherwhere you can centralize widgets, shortcuts, contacts, most used apps, and system tools without having to leave what you're doing. Thus, the old concept of a widget regains prominence, but with a much more focused approach. multitask and productivity.
How to have a side drawer of widgets on Android
Widget Drawer is an application that you can buy in the Google Play Store. Create a secondary screen with direct access to widgets from various apps, which can be accessed anytime, anywhere on your phone, except from the lock screen. This limitation cannot be bypassed, but increases efficiency of widgets by making them accessible from virtually any screen. The point is that it works like a side widget drawerTherefore, simply placing them there allows you to use them with a simple gesture from the edge.
Unlike a traditional desk, this type of drawer functions as a floating launcher Always available on the side. From there you can not only launch widgets, but also combine them with shortcuts to applications, frequent contacts, links to web pages, or even system tools, following the same approach as others. advanced side bars that allow:
- Access with one hand and by intuitive gestures from the edge of the screen.
- Having a panel always above of any app, so you don't have to abandon what you're doing.
- Enjoy real multitasking with floating widgets that you can minimize or move around the interface.
- Organize your access in rows and columns to make the most of the space on the side.
- Adjust colors, position and size of the panel to adapt it to your hand and your mobile phone.
There is some customization options too:
- Modify the height and width of a widget.
- Modify if needed one or two columns.
- Rearrange them easily by dragging and dropping.
- Choosing whether or not they have a opaque background to improve readability.
With these options, you can finish customizing your widgets as you wish, creating a panel that acts as personal control centerCalendar, email, quick notes, to-do list, music player, browser shortcuts, quick settings panel shortcuts, etc. Combined with the rest of your launcher, the side drawer becomes a kind of permanent secondary screen which speeds up almost any task.
In addition, many modern side bars allow for integration folders, an organized A-to-Z application drawer, indicators of notifications in the icons, access to system settings (WiFi, Bluetooth, flashlight, airplane mode, etc.), accessibility shortcuts like back or home, and support for icon packsThis makes them a very versatile alternative for those who want to go beyond what the default desktop offers.
If you are willing to pay a little more than €1It's a very interesting application, especially if you take advantage of its compatibility with automations, configuration backups, and the ability to adjust each panel to your liking in terms of position, size, and content.
Buy Widget Drawer — Use your widgets almost anywhere from the Google Play Store.
To get even more out of the side widget drawer concept on Android, combine these types of apps with the native functions of your mobile (such as Edge panels, manufacturer sidebars, or floating windows) and with well-designed widgets: calendars, to-do lists, calculators, Music players or shortcuts to contacts work especially well on a panel that's always just a gesture away.
In addition, many modern side bars allow for integration folders, an organized A-to-Z application drawer, indicators of notifications in the icons, access to system settings (WiFi, Bluetooth, flashlight, airplane mode, etc.), accessibility shortcuts like back or home, and support for icon packsThis makes them a very versatile alternative for those who want to go beyond what the default desktop offers.
If you are willing to pay a little more than €1It's a very interesting application, especially if you take advantage of its compatibility with automations, configuration backups, and the ability to adjust each panel to your liking in terms of position, size, and content.
To get even more out of the side widget drawer concept on Android, combine these types of apps with the native functions of your mobile (such as Edge panels, manufacturer sidebars, or floating windows) and with well-designed widgets: calendars, to-do lists, calculators, music players, or shortcuts to contacts They work especially well on a panel that's always just a gesture away.
