Google is rolling out significant updates to its Contacts app, aiming to enhance user experience and streamline contact management. Two key features are currently in development: a new Besties Widget for quick access to favorite contacts, and a simplified process for removing associated Google accounts.
New Besties Widget for Faster Access to Favorites
The upcoming Besties Widget is designed to provide users with easy access to their most important contacts. Similar to the existing Favorite contacts widget, it will display up to seven frequently contacted or starred individuals. Tapping a contact will open their full details page, showing contact information and recent interactions.
Key points about the Besties Widget:
- Developed at the app level for more frequent updates
- May eventually replace the default Android Conversations widget
- Could offer a more personalized contact access experience
Simplified Account Removal Process
Google is also working on a feature to make it easier for users to remove associated Google accounts from the Contacts app. This new option will:
- Appear in the account settings menu
- Allow users to use Google Contacts without an account
- Disable contact syncing and remove synced contacts from the device
- Offer the ability to restore contacts by re-adding the Google account
This streamlined process aims to simplify the experience for users who prefer to use the Contacts app without syncing to their Google account.
UI Improvements for Contact Pages
In addition to these major features, Google is testing a minor but useful UI tweak for contact pages. Currently hidden options like sharing a contact, adding to home screen, deleting, and moving to another account will be moved to the bottom of the contact page. This change will make these functions more readily accessible to users.
These updates demonstrate Google's commitment to continually improving the Contacts app, focusing on user convenience and customization options. While still in development, these features show promise in enhancing the overall contact management experience on Android devices.
As always with pre-release features, it's important to note that the final implementation may differ from what's currently being tested. Users can look forward to these improvements in future updates to the Google Contacts app.