Apps Should I create an app or widget?

[GoNC]

I want to build something that my mobile users can install on their phone, to alert them when they have a new Private Message. I really just want it to be an icon where a number pops up when they get a message.

Question 1: am I correct that this requires them to install a widget?

Question 2: can you guys point me in the right direction of building an appropriate app or widget to do this?

Question 3: this will obviously require the user to be logged in to the site, which would require either a persistent cookie, or something unique on their phone to verify their identity. Since I'm new to this, I don't know... is that an issue for mobile widgets? If so, how do I get around it?

I had found an older tutorial that showed how to make a widget to do this in HTML and JavaScript (which was relatively simple), and then ended with zipping it up as a .wgt extension. But that article seems to be outdated, as none of the devices I've tested with recognize that extension.

TIA!

 

[richardolga]

As per your given views widget will be perfect for your customers.

 

[GoNC]

Any suggestions on where I might find an appropriate tutorial on building a widget like this?

 

[shre1811]

this should give you a good start on widgets and using services to update the widget:
http://www.vogella.com/tutorials/AndroidWidgets/article.html