Contacts app Archives

AppWizard

July 8, 2026

Wear OS 7: New features, eligible smartwatches, and everything you need to know

Wear OS 7 has been rolled out for smartwatches currently operating on Wear OS 6, with future models like the Galaxy Watch 9 expected to come with this update pre-installed. Current devices eligible for the upgrade include the Galaxy Watch 8 series and the OnePlus Watch 3 (release date pending). Key features of Wear OS 7 include Live Updates for real-time notifications, Remote Media Routing and Per-App Auto Launch for media apps, and Android XR Control for managing Android XR devices. The update introduces a new Neural Expressive design language, Gemini Intelligence for task automation, and a Personal Intelligence feature for personalized suggestions based on app data. Customization is enhanced with Widgets replacing traditional tiles, allowing users to create dynamic dashboards. Updates to the Google Contacts app include an improved search interface and an Emergency Sharing feature for location sharing during emergencies. The Wear Workout Tracker standardizes fitness tracking across devices, and battery life improvements promise up to a 10% increase in longevity. Samsung's One UI Watch is evolving with the upcoming One UI 9 Watch, which is expected to feature a refreshed interface and new customizations. Firmware for One UI 9 Watch has been detected on Galaxy Watch 8 models, indicating an imminent release, with the Galaxy Watch 9 series anticipated to launch in July alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 8.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

Google Contacts is modernizing the contact sharing interface

The recent update to the Contacts app includes an improved contact import interface with better touch targets and segmented lists, enhancing navigation. The design aligns with the color scheme of the contact sharing menu. Users, including those with the Pixel 9 Pro, can access these enhancements through an app update.

AppWizard

October 15, 2025

Google Messages adds Key Verifier and spam link detection

Google has introduced two safety features for its Messages app: the Android Key Verifier and a spam protection feature. The Android Key Verifier is available for users on Android 10 and above, using QR codes to verify end-to-end encrypted message exchanges. Users can verify keys by tapping on the contact's name and selecting “Verify keys.” A confirmation message appears upon successful verification, and users are alerted if a contact's key changes due to reasons like acquiring a new device or SIM card, key expiration, or encryption protocol upgrades. Potential malicious reasons for key changes include man-in-the-middle attacks and SIM swapping. Users are advised to keep the Android System Key Verifier app updated. The spam protection feature prevents access to harmful links in texts unless marked as “not spam,” and it is now available worldwide.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Experience the new material 3 design in Google Contacts: What’s changed?

Google Contacts has received a Material 3 Expressive redesign, featuring container-style contact cards and larger, pill-shaped icons for calling, messaging, video chatting, and emailing. The "Contact info" label above the phone number has been removed for a cleaner presentation, and the update is available with version 4.6.1.x via the Google Play Store. Additionally, Google is testing customizable full-screen calling cards in the Phone beta app, allowing users to display a full-screen image of the caller and personalize fonts and colors. This feature is currently accessible to a limited number of users on the Phone by Google 188 beta app version.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Google’s Calling Cards are rolling out now, and this is our first proper look!

Google has launched its Calling Cards feature in the Contacts and Phone apps, allowing users to create personalized profiles for their contacts. This feature, similar to Apple's Contact Posters, enables users to customize how their contacts appear to them rather than just self-customization. The Calling Cards feature is accessible in the Google Contacts app (version 4.61.28.792249534) without additional configuration and is being rolled out to select users. Users can create a Calling Card by selecting an image and choosing a font style and color for the contact's name. All Calling Cards sync across devices linked to the same Google account. The feature is also integrated into the Google Phone app (version 188.0.793710089-publicbeta-pixel2024) and is currently in beta testing, with plans for wider accessibility in the future.

AppWizard

August 6, 2025

Google Contacts’ new Material 3 Expressive look is rolling out, here’s what’s different

Google has begun rolling out version 4.61.27 of its Contacts app, featuring a Material 3 Expressive redesign with a vibrant, card-like user interface. The redesign includes a new layout in the Highlights and Organize tabs, as well as on the Search and Contact Details pages, while the Settings and New Contact pages will be updated in the future. This update is being delivered through the stable branch of the app without requiring beta sign-ups. Users are encouraged to check for the update and provide feedback.