What you need to know
- Google Contacts receives a Material 3 Expressive redesign featuring container-style contact cards.
- The contact info page now showcases larger, pill-shaped icons and a more streamlined layout.
- In addition, Google is experimenting with customizable full-screen calling cards in the Phone beta app.
In a timely update coinciding with the anticipated Pixel 10 launch, Google is enhancing its suite of applications with the new Material 3 Expressive design. The Google Contacts app is the latest beneficiary of this aesthetic overhaul, as reported by 9to5Google. This design language has already made its mark on other popular Google applications, including Gmail, Messages, and the Play Store.
The update introduces Material 3 Expressive containers, although the “Create contact” page remains unchanged. Notably, the contact info page has undergone significant user interface modifications. Icons for calling, messaging, video chatting, and emailing have been enlarged and reshaped into pill-like forms, aligning with the design updates seen across other apps. This new design not only enhances visibility but also improves usability, making these icons easier to tap.
Additionally, the “Contact info” label above the phone number has been removed, allowing for a cleaner presentation. The remaining details on the contact info page are now housed within matching containers, creating a cohesive look throughout the app. Users who have yet to experience this fresh interface can expect to see it roll out with version 4.6.1.x via the Google Play Store; simply updating the app should bring the new design to life.
Incoming Call screen is also getting a major design upgrade
In tandem with these updates, Google is also reimagining the incoming call experience within the Phone app. Currently, users see a modest profile image of the caller at the center of the screen, provided one has been added. In contrast, iPhones display a full-screen contact image, adding a personal touch to calls.
Google is set to introduce a similar feature for Android users. Reports from 9to5Google indicate that customizable calling cards are being tested among select Phone beta users. These calling cards will allow individuals to showcase a full-screen image of the caller, along with options to personalize fonts and colors, thereby enhancing the overall aesthetic of the incoming call screen.
While this feature is not yet widely available, it is currently accessible to a limited number of users on the Phone by Google 188 beta app version. Although there is no official timeline for the broader rollout, the approach of the Pixel 10 release suggests that these enhancements may be just around the corner.
