I think it comes down to multitasking. The notification systems of phones enable it, while the primitive launchscreen/app switching system gets in the way. Ho

I think it comes down to multitasking. The notification systems of phones enable it, while the primitive launchscreen/app switching system gets in the way. Homescreen widgets can have the same function, but they're much less discoverable to users. Aside from Firefox I interact with most apps on my phone through Android's notification pulldown these days.