Windows 11 is a major update that introduces a number of new features and improvements. One of the most significant changes is the addition of third-party widgets, which can be used to add extra functionality to your Windows 10 computer. If you’re not familiar with widgets, they are small programs that can be added to your desktop to provide extra functionality. Widgets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that best suits your needs. One popular widget platform is the Windows Store, which offers a wide range ofwidget options. You can find free and paid widgets from many different sources, so it’s important to explore all the options available before making a purchase. If you’re looking for a widget platform that offers an extensive range of options and features, then consider using the Windows Store. The store has a large selection ofwidget options and it’s easy to find what you need.
Windows 11 introduced a new panel for widgets, providing easy access to information like weather, upcoming calendar events, and traffic data. Only Microsoft could make widgets, but that has now changed.
Microsoft announced back in May that it was working on a way for third-party applications (software not made by Microsoft) to add their own widgets to the widgets panel on Windows 11. The company has now released a new preview version of its Windows App SDK, alongside Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 2517, which makes third-party widgets a reality. Developers can now start creating widgets for their applications, which can then be used on all Windows 11 PCs after the technology leaves preview.
Microsoft says apps can create a single widget or multiple widgets, which can have a background image, text boxes, multiple buttons, and other functionality. It sounds like how widgets on Android devices and iPhone/iPad function, but with a higher degree of interactivity. Microsoft explains in its documentation, “Widgets are not meant to replace apps and websites, but rather provide frictionless access to most-needed information or often-used functionalities that people can read/trigger right away.”
Importantly, widgets are aimed at “packaged Win32 apps” — it sounds like only apps from the Microsoft Store will be able to provide widgets, but that may change in the future. Microsoft also says that Progressive Web Apps installed through the Edge browser will be able to provide widgets “as part of a future Microsoft Edge release.”
Source: Windows Insider Blog
