Key Points:
- Android 15 Beta 2 introduces an “Add” button for easier widget placement.
- Enhanced widget previews now display personalized information.
- The Widget Picker includes new categories for better organization.
In the latest update to Android 15 Beta 2, Google has simplified the process of adding widgets to your home screen. Previously, users had to tap and hold a widget to drag it to their desired location, a somewhat cumbersome process that triggered a system toast message: “Touch & hold to move a widget.” Now, a more user-friendly “Add” button allows for immediate placement without the need to drag.
This new feature intelligently manages widget placement. If there is no available space on your current home screen, the system automatically places the widget in the next open spot. This not only streamlines the user experience but also integrates with in-app prompts that developers can utilize to facilitate widget addition directly to the home screen.
Beyond this significant usability improvement, Android 15 Beta 2 brings several other enhancements to widget functionality. Apps can now generate previews in the widget picker that display your personalized information rather than generic placeholder content, making it easier to choose the right widget at a glance.
The Widget Picker itself has also been upgraded with new organizational categories, including Essentials, Suggested for You, and News & magazines. This categorization helps users quickly find and select the widgets they need, while a visual tweak uses containers to create a more cohesive and appealing layout within the app-based picker.
These updates in Android 15 Beta 2 reflect Google’s commitment to enhancing the Android user experience, making it more intuitive and efficient to personalize home screens with widgets.
