Widgets for applications on iOS 8: how they work and what is needed

yesterday's iOS 8 update bring users and developers a host of new features and capabilities. Of course, one of the most interesting features - widgets, third-party apps in Notification Center. In this post, we'll find out what they look like, how they work and whether or not you need them.

Talk about the need for the appearance of the widget in iOS 8 went a long time, but Apple has stubbornly ignored this issue for many years. However, after the death of Steve Jobs the company began to change and its relation to some mobile OS functions - too. June 2 Craig Federighi from Moscone West has announced a long-awaited scene for many applications, the ability to install third-party widgets.

However, it is inherently widgets on iOS 8 differ from those in Android. If "green robot" widgets placed on the desktop on a par with icons of applications that Apple has allocated them a place in the tab "Today" in the Notification Center. Ideology iOS desktops were not changed - it is still possible to place shortcuts to programs only.

And it's not only the place kupertinovtsy mobile OS took widgets, but also in their functionality. If Android widget can be almost fully functional miniature copy of the application in which you can perform basic functions application in iOS 8 widgets functionality is limited as a rule an informative presentation of data related to the program.

Although there are exceptions. For example, the widget developers ProWidgets, who used to work only with dzheybleyknutymi devices released his "official" pack for iOS 8.This "pure" widget, not an application, and with very advanced functionality. You can configure many settings, watch your business and meetings in the near future, as well as the weather. Apart stands Paste + - Advanced clipboard. In the near future expect a detailed review of this pack.

And what about the widgets that are associated with applications? For example, the widget Wunderlist shows your tasks for today, and Sports.ru - the latest news from the world of sport. In Day One, you can view statistics of your records and random photos from the diary in Dropbox - view the last uploaded files. Evernote allows you to quickly create a particular note. But none of the widgets will not give you full opportunity to work with the application without opening it directly. In this gallery you can see examples of how these now look widgets for iOS 8:

Yes, mark completed tasks to Wunderlist you can. But add a new task or edit the information about the current Tasca - no. Evernote shortcuts to create notes will transfer you to the app, and click on the news with Sports.ru open it already in the application. That is, iOS 8 is not the main task Widgets substitute application and only be complement for them. The story of the ProWidgets - exception.

To activate your desired widget, simply click on the "Edit" tab today in Notification Center. Turn and remove widgets that you need. In addition, you can change their order to your liking.

For tasks like "see the case today, the weather in the next days or find out the latest news» Widgets in iOS 8 fit perfectly. But they are not fully replace your applications, though will reduce the number of your appeals to them. In principle, I like this approach - on the one hand, kupertinovtsy gave many of us what we both wanted, but on the other - have remained faithful to their concept. Widgets are harmoniously integrated into the system and take, in my opinion, the most suitable place.

And what do you say?