At a Glance widget

AppWizard
October 30, 2025
Google is rolling out Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.2 to Pixel phones and tablets enrolled in the Android Beta Program. The update includes bug fixes and stability improvements, including a resolution for a lock screen clock issue. This is the second minor patch for Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3, following Beta 3.1. The build number for this update is BP41.250916.012 for the Pixel 6 series, while other eligible devices will see BP41.250916.012.A1. The update size typically ranges from 40MB to 50MB. Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings, then System, and selecting System update.
AppWizard
October 11, 2025
Widgets are important in the Android ecosystem for managing various tasks, with widget stacks introduced by Samsung in One UI 5 in 2022. Pixel device users lack this feature, but a workaround using the Smartspacer app allows them to achieve similar functionality. Widget stacks enable users to combine multiple widgets into a scrollable unit on their home screens, maintaining a clean aesthetic while displaying more information. Smartspacer enhances the At a Glance widget by allowing extensive customization and introducing the Expanded Smartspace feature, which provides access to a curated list of selected widgets. Users must download Shizuku and adjust developer settings to use Expanded Smartspace, allowing customization of features like search box inclusion and lock screen access. Smartspacer also allows users to prioritize items in the At a Glance widget and introduces complications for persistent visibility of essential information. The At a Glance widget has become more useful with Smartspacer, transforming from a static feature to an essential tool for Pixel users.
AppWizard
September 9, 2025
The Android 16 QPR1 beta has attracted interest from users, including those who typically avoid beta software, due to its new features. The update introduces Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language, enhancing navigation and customization on devices like the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Key changes include a revamped, colorful Settings app that categorizes options, a new Wallpaper & style menu with Live effects for weather conditions, and a smaller At a Glance widget. The My Pixel app has also been updated with a support tab and tips. However, some features, such as the Pixel Journal, remain exclusive to newer models like the Pixel 10 Pro, and there are concerns about the availability of features like Magic Cue for older devices.
AppWizard
June 20, 2025
Google is planning to develop its own version of Samsung’s Now Bar to enhance the At a Glance experience on Pixel devices. The upcoming Pixel 10 may feature a significant upgrade, potentially rebranded as Gemini Space, which could include live sports scores and financial market summaries on the lock screen. Initial hints of this feature were found in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1, with a system configuration file labeled "Ambient Data" discovered in the firmware for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro. References to an "Ambience Hub" have also been found, suggesting a new way to present information on the lock screen. The Android System Intelligence app, which supports the At a Glance widget, has revealed mentions of Gemini Space and features like finance recaps and sports updates. These upgrades are expected to be incorporated into the Pixel Launcher’s At a Glance widget, although they remain speculative.
AppWizard
May 20, 2025
Google has released the first beta build of Android 16 QPR 1 for Pixel devices, introducing Material 3 Expressive design changes. The At a Glance widget has been resized, allowing for an additional row on the home screen for app icons and widgets. Users receive a notification about the new layout upon installation. The lock screen has also seen a similar reduction in the widget size to support new lock screen widget features.
AppWizard
February 23, 2025
Google Pixel users are increasingly sideloading applications from third-party repositories, enhancing their devices' functionality. The Smartspacer app improves the At a Glance widget by integrating with third-party apps and Google services, offering advanced control and enhancing the Always-On Display. Smartspacer is available on GitHub, along with various plugins. Obtanium helps users manage and update sideloaded apps, providing a centralized hub for tracking updates, and is accessible on GitHub and F-Droid. Breezy Weather is a highly regarded weather app that offers customizable features and integrates well with Pixel's design, available on F-Droid and GitHub, and can also be updated using Obtanium.
AppWizard
May 29, 2024
The Android home screen command center now includes the At a Glance widget and the Notification Widget, providing real-time updates on important information and consolidating all notifications into one accessible location.
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