Gmail, Drive & Fit Get iOS Widgets - Google Updates

Google has recently enhanced its suite of iPhone applications by incorporating support for home screen widgets, a key feature introduced with iOS 14. The company announced today the rollout of new widgets for popular apps including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Fit, with Google Calendar and Google Chrome widgets planned for release in the near future, to deliver convenient information directly to the home screen or provide streamlined access to frequently used functions. A widget for the Google Search app was previously launched in September.

These new widgets generally represent useful additions to the home screen for individuals who frequently utilize Google’s services. However, the functionality of the Gmail widget appears somewhat limited.

The Google Drive widget provides straightforward access to your most recently used documents with a single tap. In contrast, the Gmail widget does not allow for email previews. Instead, it enables users to initiate a search within their email or begin composing a new message, and includes a button displaying the number of unread emails. Naturally, those who already employ iOS icon badges may not require a dedicated widget to determine the quantity of unread messages.

In comparison, certain alternative email applications offer more comprehensive iOS widget capabilities. For example, the Hey app from Basecamp provides a range of widgets, including those that display message previews.

Even if message previews were not possible, it would have been beneficial if the Gmail widget offered some level of customization to better suit individual user needs.

For instance, the widget could notify you of the number of unread emails received from a specific contact, such as a supervisor, or originating from a particular email domain, like a work address. Alternatively, it could indicate the number of unread emails associated with a specific label. It might also alert you to the number of unread emails in your Priority Inbox that are flagged as “important,” should you utilize that inbox configuration.

The Google Drive iOS widget, meanwhile, provides quick access to files and incorporates a search bar. The Google Fit widget simplifies the process of monitoring your activity levels, including Heart Points and Steps, directly from your home screen.

Although not yet available, Google has previewed the forthcoming Google Calendar widget. The widget resembles a condensed calendar view, displaying the day’s appointments in a stacked, color-coded format for easy readability. Tapping the widget will direct you to your complete calendar.

A Chrome widget is also in development, offering support for a search bar, incognito browsing mode, voice search functionality, and QR code scanning – features similar to those found in the current Google Search widget.

All of these widgets are currently available with the exception of Calendar and Chrome. Google anticipates the Calendar widget will be released within the “coming weeks,” while the Chrome widget is expected to arrive “in the new year.”