It happened a few days ago, but in case you missed it: the Android and Me News Widget Version 2.0 has been released in the Android Market. The new version features numerous improvements over the old widget, including multiple sizes, notifications, and updated styling. The new look was designed by ClarkLab and the widget was again coded by nEx.Software.
The new widget comes in two sizes, large and small. The widget has a notification system that can alert you of new stories with an icon, LED, or vibration.
Large Widget
The large widget is 4×1 and displays the most recent post title and blurb, along with a timestamp and ‘read more’ link. Clicking the entry will launch the widget into full screen mode.
Small Widget
The small widget is a mini 1×1 and displays the most recent post title (sans blurb), along with the timestamp. Clicking the entry will launch the widget into full screen mode.
Full Screen Mode
The widget in full screen mode displays the 10 most recent posts, our most recent promotion (in the top corner), and buttons to refresh the feed and launch the mobile site. Pressing Menu when in full screen mode will bring up the Settings, shown below.
Settings
The settings allow you to change the update frequency and notification preferences. When using the large or small widget, you can choose to turn on notifications that will alert you each time we make a new post. The alerts will place an icon in your notification tray along with an optional LED alert or vibration. You can even set the LED color to differentiate the alerts from those in your other apps.
Alerts
When a new story is posted and you’ve got notifications turned on, a small icon will appear in your tray. Each icon will display the number of stories posted since you last checked the widget. Clicking on the alert in the tray or launching the widget into full screen mode will clear the alert.
Installation
The widget is currently available in the Android Market. Here is a direct link.. Alternately, you can scan the QR code below with your phone to be taken to the Market page. Once you’ve got the widget installed, simply long press in a blank spot on your home screen. A menu will come up where you can select ‘Widgets’ and then select Android and Me Large or Android and Me Small.
If you were a upgrading, please uninstall before downloading the new version.
Scan to download.
The new version has been out for a day or two already and has already been downloaded over 1,000 times. Thanks for all the support you guys show our site, it really makes doing the work much easier. Also, keep an eye on the widget for a new contest announcement sometime in the next few days…
So what do you think? Do you guys like the new version? Is it an improvement over the old one?
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Clark Wimberly
Clark is a web designer and developer living in Austin, Texas. He runs ClarkLab, a small web firm with an ever-increasing Android focus. He's a big fan of usability, standards, and clean design.
10 Comments
Absolutely amazing job! I wish the source code was available.
I really like the notifications icon & the full widget. Definitely a download.
Clark is the shit! Loving it.
I do rule pretty hard
I’d have to agree…
I’d have to agree you don’t know how to use reply.
Eh… Reply is for weenies. Living dangerous here.
Great widget, does what it says on the tin, give us all the news we all want Android specific
Can u give the direct download from your website as in my phone there are no Android market installed
yes, can we get a direct link to the .apk? your site is the best and i want it on my homescreen but alas I’m I’m one of those suckers without the Google apps.
Its cool, only problem when I turn my phone off and on or change scenes it doesn’t load up…I have Sprint hero