A “To-Do” list is a requested widget for the Widgets app. There was apprehension toward creating this gizmo, as Apple already has one in the Notification Center. And yet, why don’t I use it? So, I took a better look at it. I was surprised to discover the limitations. Even though the Reminders app is a permanent resident on my macOS Dock, I don’t really use it — not the widget, not the app. Is this something that can be fixed by Photics?
Category: App Development
Countdown to a New Widget
It’s such a clichĂ© in movies and TV shows, a downward ticking clock — strapped to a bomb. This staple of adventure genre has been in the classic James Bond movies and the original MacGyver series. It’s decades worth of beeping numbers. How could anything new be done? But wow, I was amazed when I watched the last two episodes of Blindspot. There were two different bomb countdown scenes, with two creative outcomes. The first one had a hysterical twist. The latter, it was an absolutely phenomenal finale. That is the way you end a show. Mind blown! 🤯
The Future of Widgets
Well, that was Awkward. I sat down to watch the WWDC 2020 and I was quite surprised to see widgets take the lead. Improvements to Apple’s native widgets are heading to iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. Am I in competition with Apple? After watching the event to end, I don’t think so. Instead, I think this creates opportunity for Photics apps. Ultimately, Apple showed renewed interest for widgets and this could increase the demand for such technology.
Widgets — Reverse Engineering WordNet
With the proof copy of A Book About Hype in production, there’s not much to do but wait. There’s a significant delay. In frustration, I seriously considered printing the books myself. While it certainly can be done, that’s not what Photics is about. Patience is needed during the pandemic. Lulu has delivered quality in the past. I’m optimistic that they can do it again. Instead, I should focus my efforts on Widgets. I too need to deliver quality — a dictionary / thesaurus widget. Many people are waiting.
Widgets – Version 2.1 Update
This update is a milestone. Widgets is now in 2.x territory. That means the app is becoming more refined. Major issues are being resolved. Looking back, Apple’s been a big part of that success. Their tech support has been legendary. I rejoined the Apple Developer Program last May. Since then, Apple resolved four of my technical issues. Looking at my “App Development” folder in Thunderbird (my email client), there are 48 messages from “Apple Developer Technical Support” just this year.