phone app Archives

AppWizard

March 6, 2026

Google just made my favorite Phone app feature even better. Here’s how to use it

The Google Phone app introduced a feature called Calling Cards in August, allowing users to create a personalized screen with a photo and custom text that appears when a contact calls. As of March 3, an update enables these Calling Cards to be visible to the people being called, rather than just the creator. Users can create their Calling Cards by accessing the settings in the app, selecting a photo, customizing text with various fonts and colors, and adjusting sharing preferences. The rollout of this feature may be staggered across devices, and users should ensure their app is updated to the latest version to access it.

AppWizard

January 26, 2026

Google’s solution to the Phone app’s constant flipping is rolling out

Google has begun rolling out an update to its Phone app to address rotation issues that caused the app to unexpectedly rotate during calls. The update introduces a "keep portrait mode" option in the Display settings, allowing users to maintain a consistent portrait orientation during calls. Previously, the app followed the device's auto-rotation settings, which led to unwanted rotations. Users reported that the app's rotation would split the interface into two views, disrupting conversations. The new feature is now available to all users. Additionally, there are plans for a feature called "Expressive Calling," which would allow users to set a "call reason" to make urgent calls more noticeable.

AppWizard

January 20, 2026

Google’s Phone app keeps turning sideways, and users are confused again

The Google Phone app has introduced support for a landscape user interface that activates with the system-wide auto-rotate setting enabled. Users have reported confusion and frustration due to the intermittent availability of this feature in stable updates. In September 2025, many users mistakenly believed the unexpected rotation during calls was a glitch, not realizing it was an intended feature. Google has since provided a toggle to lock the UI in portrait mode, but this option is only available in beta releases. Users can temporarily disable the system-wide auto-rotate feature to keep the app in portrait mode, but the landscape UI remains inconsistent.

AppWizard

January 2, 2026

Google’s AI Android Updates Spark Phone App Glitches on Pixel Devices

The phone app within Google's ecosystem has faced significant user frustration due to recent updates that disrupt essential functions like dialing and contact management. Users report issues such as the app failing to register incoming calls and cumbersome navigation following software patches. AI features introduced to enhance user experience often misfire, raising privacy concerns. The Pixel series has experienced bugs, including one that automatically declined calls. Updates to Google's search algorithm have inadvertently affected app performance, leading to instabilities. Monthly system updates prioritize new features over rigorous testing, resulting in a bloated app with sporadic functionality. Policy changes regarding data handling complicate app interactions, making simple tasks more laborious. Google's rapid release cycle has led to volatility in app performance, with security patches sometimes introducing new bugs. The integration of third-party services has created inconsistencies, and the overall Android ecosystem suffers from misalignment between updates. Users express dissatisfaction with the prioritization of aesthetics over functionality in updates. Critics argue that Google's approach mirrors past missteps, and experts recommend proactive user measures and improved developer practices to enhance app reliability.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Google preps a fix for what’s probably the Phone app’s most annoying trait

Google is testing a significant update for its Phone app on Android devices, which includes a new "Controls" toggle in Display settings to maintain portrait mode during calls. This feature addresses user complaints about the app's inconsistent adherence to auto-rotation preferences. The beta also introduces an option to mark calls as "urgent" and refreshes the user interface by removing the Favorites tab and consolidating frequently contacted individuals into a horizontal row in the "Recents" section. Additionally, the dedicated "Frequents" list has been removed, encouraging users to actively favorite their most-called contacts. Another feature, "Expressive Calling," allows users to select a "call reason" when dialing, enhancing communication awareness.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Androidify for Wear OS: turn yourself into an Android bot for your Pixel Watch

Google's Androidify app has been updated to allow users to create an Android bot version of themselves for their smartwatches. This feature, which is being rolled out on December 18, enables users to transform selfies into unique Android bots that can be displayed as Wear OS watch faces. The app leverages Gemini and Imagen technologies for customization and allows users to download it from the Play Store. Users can capture a selfie, customize their digital doppelganger, and transfer it to their smartwatch easily. The updated app can dynamically generate a watch face within the phone app, facilitating a seamless transition to the smartwatch. Androidify was initially introduced in September, focusing on personalization, and allows users to reimagine themselves as various characters by uploading images and providing prompts.

AppWizard

December 17, 2025

Android is preparing a hub for all your satellite-connected apps

Google is enhancing Android's satellite connectivity capabilities, which will allow users to stay connected in areas without cellular service. A new Quick Settings tile and menu will streamline access to these features. Initially, satellite connectivity was limited to emergency messaging, but upcoming updates will include functionalities like WhatsApp calling and live location sharing. In the latest Android Canary build, a toggle for a “Satellite” tile is available under Settings > System > Developer Options, indicating three states: On, Available, and Not available. The Pixel 9 supports satellite connectivity, but the tile is marked as “Not available” due to the user's T-Mobile plan lacking satellite access. Tapping the tile leads to a “Satellite connectivity” page listing compatible apps, including Emergency SOS, Messages, Find Hub, Maps, and Settings. WhatsApp is not currently listed, despite prior announcements of its support for satellite calls. The app list varies based on device and plan support for LTE-based or Narrowband NTN. If LTE-based NTN is supported, the app list could expand to include AccuWeather, Google Weather, Snapchat, and X, suggesting future satellite support for these applications. The Satellite tile and landing page are operational in the Canary release but are currently accessible only through a developer option, indicating they may still be in testing. Future Android Canary releases will provide updates on this feature's development.

AppWizard

December 15, 2025

Android phones are finally getting a way to flag ‘urgent’ calls

Android is introducing a feature called Expressive Calling in the Phone by Google app, allowing users to specify the reason for their calls, including marking them as urgent. This feature is currently available to select beta testers. When a call is marked as urgent, the recipient receives a notification that reads “It’s urgent!” along with an animated siren emoji, and the urgent designation remains in the call log if the call is missed. This feature aims to improve the calling experience by providing context and is particularly useful for users with Do Not Disturb mode activated. However, both the caller and recipient must be using the Phone app beta for the feature to work, limiting its current availability.

BetaBeacon

December 8, 2025

Galaxy XR adding ‘PC Connect’ for Windows apps and games, Google ‘Likeness’ avatars

Google has introduced a new feature called PC Connect for Android XR, allowing users to link a Windows computer with Android XR and display desktop or other windows side-by-side with native apps from Google Play. The feature offers full resolution and high frame rate over Wi-Fi, with input bridging allowing a keyboard and mouse to control either device. Additionally, Google is also rolling out Travel Mode, a stable viewing option for when users are in motion, and a Likeness feature that creates a realistic digital representation of a user's face during video calls.

AppWizard

December 2, 2025

‘Big Brother cannot watch us’: Indian government phone app plan sparks outrage

India has directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a government-operated cybersecurity application called Sanchar Saathi on all mobile devices manufactured or imported for use within the country. The app is designed to enhance protection against fraud and cyber threats, allowing users to block and track lost or stolen phones and identify fraudulent mobile subscriptions. Major smartphone companies have a 90-day compliance window, and the app must be visible and accessible during device setup. Critics, including the Internet Freedom Foundation, have raised concerns about user privacy and governmental control over personal devices, while the Indian telecom minister described the app as a voluntary system. The government also requires that the app be pushed to devices already in circulation through software updates. Political opposition has emerged, with calls for the order's retraction, citing constitutional concerns.