A few weeks ago I stumbled across a Notification Center app called Orby Widgets. Not only can you use Orby to make calls and send messages faster, you can also view iPhone system info such as memory and storage, launch apps, and even perform conversions.
- $1.99 – Download
The Orby Widget app itself only exists for you to customize your widgets. For example, you can customize the calling or messaging widgets to provide quick actions to your most contacted people.
Orby offers many different widgets to choose from, but since they’re all separate you can choose to only active the ones you want to use.
I have been using the App Launcher, Conversations, and Converters. I’ve put my most used apps in the App Launcher first and then Conversations underneath that so I can quickly tap to start or continue a message to someone.
Converters I keep towards the bottom since I don’t have a huge need for it, but it’s nice to be able to convert temperatures and currency quickly while traveling.
Other Orby Widget features include the ability to view iPhone system info including CPU, memory, and storage. I’m not a huge fan of using these kinds of metrics since they just make me stress over my battery life and resources more than I need to. However, if you need or want them, they are there for your enjoyment.
The reason I like Orby so much in comparison to some other Today View widgets is they are all condensed into a single app. Not only that, the widgets look good, they are consistent, and you have fine tune control over what ones you want to use.
Orby Widgets somewhat reminds me of a scaled back version of Launch Center Pro. Sure you don’t get the URL schemes and all the extras, but not everyone needs that. Orby is much easier to set up and configure just the way you like.
If you’re trying to find a way to make Notification Center more useful, I’d suggest starting with Orby.
- $1.99 – Download
