page.title=Build Useful Widgets
page.metaDescription=Use home screen widgets to remind users about important information in your apps and games, even when your apps are closed.
page.tags=""
page.image=/images/gp-engage-0.jpg

@jd:body

<div class="figure">
  <img src="{@docRoot}images/gp-engage-0.jpg" style="width:320px;">
</div>
<p>
  <a href=
  "/design/patterns/widgets.html">Widgets</a> are
  an essential aspect of home screen customization. They are "at-a-glance"
  views of an app's <strong>most important data and features</strong>,
  instantly available from the user's home screen.
</p>

<p>
  Use widgets to <strong>remind users</strong> about important information in
  your apps and games, even when your apps are closed. For instance, if you
  have a news app, showcase the latest headlines.
</p>

  <div class="sidebox" style="float:none;margin-left:0">
  <p><strong>Tip:</strong>
  Make your widgets useful &mdash; provide in-app information like news, game status,
  or upcoming deadlines. Widgets should serve as more than a launcher icon.</p>
  </div>

<p style="clear:both">
</p>

<div class="headerLine">
  <h2 id="related-resources">
    Related Resources
  </h2>
</div>

<div class="resource-widget resource-flow-layout col-13" 
  data-query="collection:distribute/engage/widgets"
  data-sortorder="-timestamp"
  data-cardsizes="9x3"
  data-maxresults="6">
</div>