Enhance Your Android Lock Screen with DashClock & DashNotifier

Note: This post was first published on October 29, 2013.

The lock screen widgets feature in Android 4.2 is a game-changer, allowing users to view notifications directly from the lock screen. However, being limited to only one widget per screen can lead to excessive swiping to access emails, text messages, and Facebook updates – somewhat missing the point.

Let us introduce you to better alternatives that streamline your experience: DashClock and DashNotifier.

DashClock Widget is more than just a lock screen clock widget. It supports multiple extensions that consolidate notifications from Gmail, weather updates, messages, missed calls, and more – all on a single screen.

Another great extension, DashNotifier, is especially worth mentioning. It displays notifications for any app, allowing up to seven notifications to be shown on the lock screen at once.

Setting Up Your Device

Begin by downloading DashClock from the Google Play Store, followed by DashNotifier.

Once installed, the next step is to add DashClock to your lock screen. The process varies by device.

For instance, on the Samsung Galaxy S4, start by enabling multiple lock screen widgets. Navigate to Settings > My device > Lock screen and check the Multiple widgets option. On devices like the Google Nexus 4, this setting is enabled by default.

Swipe to the far left on your lock screen until you see a large + icon. Tap it and choose DashClock. You’ll then be directed to the DashClock Extensions menu.

Configuring DashNotifier

Let’s configure your first DashNotifier notification. At the bottom of the menu, tap on Add Another Extension. You’ll find seven DashNotifier items listed. Choose one to integrate it into DashClock.

Next, click on the settings icon next to the extension. This action will lead you to the settings screen for that extension, where you can adjust:

• The specific application to receive notifications from.
• The icon and title text format for the application within DashClock.
• Whether to clear notifications upon unlocking your device.
• Whether to display the content of notifications.
• Whether notifications should wake the device’s screen.

While it might seem like there are many settings to configure, the primary steps are to select your desired application and choose an icon. The additional settings are optional and DashNotifier extensions function effectively even with the default settings.

Personalizing DashClock

Once you’re satisfied with your DashNotifier extensions, return to the main DashClock Extensions screen. Here, you can rearrange the extensions or remove any you no longer need.

Beyond extensions, DashClock offers a range of basic customization options. Choose from various clock and date styles, and customize the DashClock daydream settings to further personalize your device.

After adjusting DashClock’s extensions and appearance to your liking, tap the check mark in the upper-left corner of the screen to save your settings.

Setting DashClock as the Default Lock Screen Widget

If your device supports multiple lock screen widgets, it might be time to set DashClock as your default. On your lock screen, press and drag DashClock all the way to the right to make it the primary lock screen widget.

Considerations and Final Thoughts

Keep in mind that DashClock is compatible with Android 4.2 and above, and DashNotifier with Android 4.3. Unfortunately, DashClock does not default to its expanded mode, requiring a quick downward swipe to view detailed notifications.

For those with compatible devices, combining DashClock with DashNotifier offers a powerful way to enhance your lock screen functionality and stay on top of notifications more efficiently.