While your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch won’t be offering any interface-changing home screen alternatives any time soon, the introduction of Notification Center / Today menu widgets with iOS 8 was a nice touch on Apple’s part. The whole platform feels much more functional as a result, and even though the update only arrived four months back, the App Store is already awash with awesome widgets. Having pointed out some great widgets for you to try out on numerous occasions before, we’re back with a handful more, so if you want to get the very most out of your iOS 8-ready device, you can find the round-up below.
TodayRemote (FREE / iPhone and iPad)
If you’re a music fan and Mac owner, then this great little NC widget will turn your iPhone or iPad into a remote control for music playback. And the widget supports a handful of apps, including iTunes, Spotify, Rdio, VOX and VLC.
The idea itself is nothing new – iOS and OS X are intertwined throughout – but the convenience of having control right from the Notification Center is a sure-fire winner.
Download it on iTunes here.
Music Center (FREE / iPhone and iPad)
Another audio-related widget, Music Center lets you view your entire music library directly from the Notification Center. Whether you’re on the lock screen or in-app, you can readily browse, skip, play or pause your music with consummate ease, and given that it’s also free, is definitely worth a look.
Download it on iTunes here.
Sunrise Sunset Widget (FREE / iPhone and iPad)
Since iOS 8, the App Store has been inundated with weather widgets, but Sunrise Sunset offers a welcome break from the norm. Instead of letting you know of the temperature, or when and if it will rain, this simple, elegant widget presents you with details of sunrise and sunset.
Download it on iTunes here.
Thermos ($1.99 / iPhone and iPad)
This widget integrates with Nest Thermostat to offer temperature details on a room-by-room basis. With controls for adjusting temp / humidity, it’s an all-in-one solution for Nest owners, and more than justifies its two-buck asking price.
Download it on iTunes here.
Free Speed Dial Widget (FREE / iPhone and iPad)
Our last entry does exactly as the name suggests, giving you quick access to those contacts that matter the most. It’s a fairly no-frills experience – the way it should be – and if you find opening the Phone / Contacts app to be a tedious, drawn-out process, be sure to snap this widget up.
Download it on iTunes here.
There are many more great widgets to be had, but that completes our top five for now. Do let us know how you get on with them, and we’ll be back soon with another round-up of great widgets and apps for your mobile devices!
Be sure to check out our iPhone Apps Gallery and iPad Apps Gallery to explore more apps for your iPhone and iPad.
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