Widsets - Quick Win?

Widsets is a Nokia sponsored service that allows mobile content (usually via an RSS Feed) to be viewed on a compatible mobile phone. It is particularly useful for those wishing to keep up with news updates on the move.

An application has to be downloaded on to a mobile phone and when launched the various Widsets you are currently subscribed to are displayed. These can be added too or deleted. Not all the Widsets are RSS feeds some are applications or games.

Is it a quick win for mobilising a Web service? Not really, the Widesets are far more useful for promoting your mobile service, especially if it will not adapt well to a mobile phone but you still want an effective Mobile Web presence. Creating a Widset is straightforward and the application is bundled with many Nokia phones. So it's there ready and waiting!

I've created a couple for people to try out relating to my work with Mimas, at The University of Manchester.

One is for Hairdressing Training, which was recently launched as a full mobile service but those interested only in new updates can try this Widset widget out - .

The other is for the JISC Information Governance Gateway. This lists the latest news feeds on the site, on the most popular elements of the service -