Home windows 11 launched a brand new panel for widgets, offering quick access to info like climate, upcoming calendar occasions, and visitors knowledge. Solely Microsoft might make widgets, however that has now modified.
Microsoft introduced again in Might that it was engaged on a manner for third-party functions (software program not made by Microsoft) so as to add their very own widgets to the widgets panel on Home windows 11. The corporate has now launched a brand new preview model of its Home windows App SDK, alongside Home windows 11 Insider Preview Construct 2517, which makes third-party widgets a actuality. Builders can now begin creating widgets for his or her functions, which may then be used on all Home windows 11 PCs after the expertise leaves preview.
Microsoft says apps can create a single widget or a number of widgets, which may have a background picture, textual content bins, a number of buttons, and different performance. It appears like how widgets on Android gadgets and iPhone/iPad perform, however with the next diploma of interactivity. Microsoft explains in its documentation, “Widgets aren’t meant to exchange apps and web sites, however relatively present frictionless entry to most-needed info or often-used functionalities that individuals can learn/set off straight away.”
Importantly, widgets are aimed toward “packaged Win32 apps” — it appears like solely apps from the Microsoft Retailer will be capable to present widgets, however that will change sooner or later. Microsoft additionally says that Progressive Net Apps put in by means of the Edge browser will be capable to present widgets “as a part of a future Microsoft Edge launch.”
Supply: Home windows Insider Weblog
