Google Contacts revamps contact creation and gears up for Apple’s stolen device protection-like feature
Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Contacts redesign simplifies creating new contacts with centered fields and shortcuts.
- Android 15 may introduce “mandatory biometrics,” restricting fallback PIN/password access outside trusted locations.
- Google aims to improve security, borrowing features from Apple’s Stolen Device Protection.
Google Contacts has introduced a major update to its contact creation process. This change simplifies how you add new contacts, while Google also prepares to enhance security in Android 15 with a feature similar to Apple’s Stolen Device Protection.
Google Contacts Redesign
The updated Google Contacts app (version 4.39) revamps the way users create new contacts. As usual, the profile photo appears at the top, followed by first and last name fields. However, the dropdown for adding a prefix, middle name, or suffix has been removed, making the interface cleaner.
The “Company” field remains the same but now lacks the small icons that previously accompanied the fields. One noticeable change is that fields such as email and significant dates are hidden behind a button, focusing more on phone numbers, which come with a pre-filled country code.
This redesign also introduces shortcuts to add an address or assign a label, while the “Notes” section is still available at the bottom. You can add additional details like middle names, nicknames, job titles, and more via the “Add fields” button.
Android’s Improved Security Measures
In parallel, Google is working on a security feature similar to Apple’s Stolen Device Protection. Android 15 QPR1 is expected to include an update called “Identity Check,” which enhances device security by focusing on biometric authentication.
Currently, Android apps use a biometric prompt (like fingerprint or face recognition), but users can still bypass this using a PIN or password. Google aims to change that by making biometric authentication mandatory when the phone is outside “trusted locations.” This means when your phone leaves a familiar area, like your home, Android will block PIN/password fallbacks, ensuring stronger security.
This new feature, discovered in the Android 15 Beta, mimics Apple’s method of securing sensitive data when an iPhone leaves a trusted environment. It also ties into Google’s Trusted Places, where the phone stays unlocked in certain locations. Once rolled out, the feature will likely require Android 15 or higher to operate.
Final Thoughts
Google’s latest updates in Contacts and Android security show a clear focus on user experience and safety. While the Contacts redesign makes adding details easier, Android’s upcoming security features signal a step forward in protecting personal data, especially in case of theft. Both updates promise a more seamless and secure user experience.
A new update to Google Calendar is here, aiming to make handling your appointments more engaging. Now, users have the option to add emojis to their events to spice up their text and express themselves visually.
While creating an event, Google Calendar offers to add an emoji that fits the title you have entered. A coffee cup emoji may appear next to the title if you type “coffee with Sarah.” You can pick a different emoji if you prefer. If you want to make the title shorter, you can delete it.
This feature functions on both personal and work accounts automatically. It aims to make your appointments more visible by using fun emojis.
Google described the update as an effort to make digital helpers more conversational. Although it’s a simple addition, it can be very useful and enjoyable for some people.
Right now, the update is being launched for both Android and iOS users, so please try again if it is not available to you yet. There is no need for anything special; simply use your app as you normally would, and the changes will be noticeable when you add or update an event.
Google is rolling out a major new update to its Search app on both Android and iOS. The updates improve the app’s appearance and include useful new AI-powered features. Users will now see a new smart bar at the top of the Search app in the AI Overview mode.
AI automatically suggests helpful information and allows you to get answers right within the Search app. On Android, you’ll now see a bar placed below the search box that lists your most recent questions as well. The layout adopts Google’s Material You style, and the active AI status is indicated by a curvy green silhouette.
A revamped prompt bar on the bottom of the screen now displays common questions, such as “What’s the best way to plant tomatoes?” The new design makes it more convenient to access with an expanded size and clearer images. The purpose is to make it simpler for users to begin talking with Gemini, Google’s advanced AI.
You’ll also notice an updated loading animation when waiting for results. Coming soon: You’ll see Google displaying a lively, Material 3-inspired animation for loading instead of a spinning circle. These three dots make the animations more up-to-date and approachable. The new features will be released slowly and could eventually show up across Google’s other mobile apps.
These changes make searching on Google easier, quicker, and more helpful, whether you want answers to simple questions or you want to use Google’s AI to learn more.
A bug is causing major problems for users of Google Maps right now. The app no longer displays backup ways to go while driving directions are in progress. If you’re driving, Google Maps usually shows you a couple of alternatives for reaching your destination. That useful function has stopped working for plenty of users in the latest version.
Many users are now being shown only one route when driving, leaving them potentially stuck in traffic. Many Android and iPhone users have run into the problem, and it crops up when using Maps for Navigation in versions 11.127.0101 and newer. Until now, Google hasn’t said anything about resolving the issue, but we can expect them to work on it shortly.
At the same time, YouTube TV is introducing an improvement for fans of live sports. YouTube TV users are getting a major update to their multiview feature this week. People can now design their own multiview layouts, rather than having a limited selection from the app. It’s being tested with a small group of users and should soon be available to everyone. This new feature is available on smart TVs, as well as streaming devices such as Chromecast and Apple TV.
As Google Maps troubleshoots a technical issue, YouTube TV is empowering users with new levels of customization, particularly useful as everyone keeps track of multiple live games during a sporty period. You could see that Google Maps and YouTube TV perform differently this week.
-
Apps1 year agoGboard Proofread feature will support selected text
-
News1 year agoSamsung USA crafting One UI 6.1.1
-
News1 year ago
Breaking: Samsung Galaxy S22 may get Galaxy AI features
-
News1 year agoSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with One UI 6.1 and all S24 AI features revealed
-
News1 year ago
One UI 6.1 Auracast (Bluetooth LE Audio) feature coming to many Samsung phones
-
Apps11 months agoGoogle Contacts app testing new Besties Widget
-
News1 year agoSatellite SOS feature coming to Google Pixel phones, evidence leaked
-
AI10 months agoGoogle Pixel 9 Pro may come with a complimentary one-year Gemini Advanced subscription