Home Screen Widget 'Blocks' Imagined in New iOS Concept

[jrswizzle]

Here's my suggestion - though it means a tweak to the lock screen that might be unpopular.....

(1) Change the "slide to unlock" direction to right-to-left....(I know...I know...)

(2) This frees up a left-to-right slide on the lock screen that mirrors the left-to-right slide on the home screen......

(3) Add a widget page to the leftmost page on the home screen.

(4) Add a toggle in settings that would allow said widget page to be viewable on the lock screen (ala control center and notification center).

I know it means changing the 7 year old slide to unlock action, but as TouchID becomes standard, it will be less used. I'd be all in for something like this.

 

[iSteve-O]

Widgets is a good start. Now only if iOS 8 can have an app drawer.

 

[Yebubbleman]

I actually really like it. It's simple, easy to use, makes sense. The only thing I'm wary of is the cost on system resources.

 

[daveathall]

I like it.

Cant see why people would be against this, if one doesn't like it, don't pinch on the app, just tap as normal and nothing has changed. Honestly can't see why all the negativity and the "Please no" posts on this thread, don't like it, don't use it.

 

[69Mustang]

You started off so well....but just HAD to sink to lowest common denominator level with the bolded....

That's not necessarily true of anyone. Perhaps I PREFER going into an app as I enjoy the experience of said app. No reduction in taps (you'd shave 1 tap off at most for any task) could replace the in-app experience for some.

But I agree - implement this in a way that works for a variety of users:

(1) Those who want widgets wherever.
(2) Those who want widgets to the left of the main home screen.
(3) Those who don't want widgets at all.

If Apple implements widgets as an option for users, your choice #1 can make everyone happy. Whether it be on the lock screen, home screen, to the left, or not at all. User's choice. It's the ability to have a personal choice that's important.

As for the in-app experience, a simple tap on the widget takes you there, just like tapping a static icon.

 

[TonyC28]

Why do they always have to put that kind of music in these videos?

 

[ghost of jobs]

iPhone user since day one and this is the most common sense approach I have seen to personalizing the home screen and is sorely needed. PLEASE APPLE!

Surely it gives the front screen more functionality.. but I can't quite see how it personalizes it?..

That aside.. I think it's pretty neat, anything to move on from static icons...

 

[jrswizzle]

If Apple implements widgets as an option for users, your choice #1 can make everyone happy. Whether it be on the lock screen, home screen, to the left, or not at all. User's choice. It's the ability to have a personal choice that's important.

As for the in-app experience, a simple tap on the widget takes you there, just like tapping a static icon.

But currently, there is no way to move anything to the left of the main home screen or to add anything to the lock screen.

It would need to be a specific feature added. Apple could simply implement widgets like in the video posted, this would work for those who want to move them around on any of their home screens. But wouldn't work for (2).

 

[Amazing Iceman]

How does it take away simplicity? Much easier on a "widget page" to have a dedicated "add widget button" which brings up a list of options. You can then rearrange on that single page. Things are a lot less cluttered and stay uniform.

I agree though - it likely wouldn't be enough for some. But currently, iOS allows ZERO home screen widgets so.....baby steps perhaps.

I don't think you could fit all your widgets in just one page, specially on the iPhone 5s.
Plus, people with visual disabilities would need larger widgets.
Having two separate areas is not a good idea. Both icons and Widgets can live together in the iOS Launchpad, and be organize in any way the user wants.

 

[jrswizzle]

I don't think you could fit all your widgets in just one page, specially on the iPhone 5s.
Plus, people with visual disabilities would need larger widgets.
Having two separate areas is not a good idea. Both icons and Widgets can live together in the iOS Launchpad, and be organize in any way the user wants.

Per my last few posts - that's fine. As long as the the page to the left of the main home screen is opened so I can add them all in one page.

 

[carjakester]

So how can someone use that with one hand? Seems Pretty useless to me.

 

[ghost of jobs]

I wouldn't be surprised to find out this guy got hired by Apple at some point. They may not implement it exactly this way, but this is frequently how new features, like Notification Center or the notification bar, get implemented. Someone comes up with a pretty good solution, Apple brings them in, refines the idea, and then rolls it out.

I think it would have been tricky to bring Google onto the payroll after the notification bar situation...

 

[nburwell]

After watching the video, I kinda like it. While I do agree that it does look a bit like the Windows phone "tiles", I like the "pinch" feature to bring up specific details in the widget. I honestly wouldn't mind seeing this in iOS 8.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

How does it take away simplicity? Much easier on a "widget page" to have a dedicated "add widget button" which brings up a list of options. You can then rearrange on that single page. Things are a lot less cluttered and stay uniform.

BTW, this would look too Androidish

 

[derek4484]

First widgets, then some sort of launcher so all the apps don't need to be on the screen/in folders taking up space?

Oh, you mean exactly what Android has. It probably is a good idea, but just because it's exactly like Android, that's why Apple will never do it. When I had a Galaxy S and HTC Rezound, I kind of liked widgets, but if you get too many they will kill your battery.

 

[Moldancopter]

First widgets, then some sort of launcher so all the apps don't need to be on the screen/in folders taking up space?

so what you want is a Windows Phone.. well by all means go get yourself one..

I had windows phones... hated every single one of them...

IOS love it.

Widgets not for me Andriod and Windows can keep those...

 

[nazaar]

I like this idea!

Saves from going into every app just see something quickly.

 

[jrswizzle]

BTW, this would look too Androidish

You are correct - and I have since watched the video in the story and like the pinch to create the widget from the icon itself. That would be a key, cool feature.

 

[EvilQueen]

Please no. Don't give me the eye sore I have to look at on Windows 8 on work computers on my iPhone. I can't imagine Apple would put that anxiety-inducing multi-sized icon/widget feature on their devices.

You must have missed the part where you wouldn't have to use the feature.

 

[ghost of jobs]

Widgets is a good start. Now only if iOS 8 can have an app drawer.

Hang on... Widgets.. app drawer... Maybe the ability to place stuff exactly where you want... Everything u don't use is hidden... Mmm.....ios has been "borrowing" stuff from android for a while now but surely that wud.be a step to far....

 

[Captain Nougat]

In case anyone is looking for the wallpaper:

http://interfacelift.com/wallpaper/details/3337/blue_mountains.html

 

[aliaxos]

Welcome to windows ios

WINDOWS IOS

APPLE... Are you having a laugh?
APPLE ... INNOVATE

 

[jrswizzle]

Hang on... Widgets.. app drawer... Maybe the ability to place stuff exactly where you want... Everything u don't use is hidden... Mmm.....ios has been "borrowing" stuff from android for a while now but surely that wud.be a step to far....

Except that widgets were on OS X before Android existed.....

 

[Sethp]

if and when Apple does this, its going to look much nicer.

 

[ToddClemmer]

Makes me glad I just tossed that POS 4S and bought a Lumia 1520.