Google Home widget Archives

AppWizard

December 14, 2024

I made my dream Google widget with one of my favorite Android tools

The author previously used Nova Launcher to create custom widgets but found Google's existing widgets difficult to enhance. This led to the idea of creating a new widget using KWGT that serves as a centralized hub for Google services. The author aimed to build an "omniwidget" that organizes essential Google services while maintaining a customizable design. They downloaded KWGT Pro, added a 4x4 widget, and followed steps to create the widget's shape, buttons, and visual elements, including icons and a font. The widget features nine buttons for shortcuts to various Google services and includes a section for displaying time, date, and temperature. After completing the design and functionality, the author expressed satisfaction with the outcome and the potential for an official Google widget that offers customizable shortcuts.

AppWizard

July 16, 2024

I’ve already ditched the new Google Home widget and watch tile

- Google Home team took a long time to release a home screen widget to control smart home devices - To use the widget, users have to join the Preview program, which may render Chromecasts inaccessible - The widget only allows an all-or-nothing approach for favorites, limiting controls for devices - Some devices show a small arrow indicating more controls, but this is not available for all device types - The widget lacks scene or routine support and has buggy behaviors like disappearing icons and slow updates - The Google Home Wear OS tile allows for shortcuts to favorite devices but lacks names or indications of what each controls - The Wear OS tile is not useful for users with multiple devices of the same type in different rooms - The author finds the widget and Wear OS tile not worth keeping due to limitations and lack of usability.