Google Contacts could soon get a home screen widget that displays text messages،
Aside from the occasional new features added, Google Contacts isn't an app known for receiving frequent updates. However, an update may be on the way that will add a nifty new home screen widget and UI.
By reversing a few developer flags in version 4.26 of the app, @AssembleDebug from TheSPAndroid was able to identify these changes. Although these features are currently in the testing phase and no deployment schedule is currently available, we can certainly get a glimpse of what was found hidden in the code.
The first notable change is the design change on the main Contacts screen. The familiar phone, email and business icons will now be hidden behind a three-dot menu. This change frees up space for a brand new “+” icon in the search bar, which will make it easier for users to add contacts on the go.
Image credit: TheSPAndroid
Additionally, interacting with contact details such as email and tags now opens a convenient bottom sheet for options instead of the traditional sidebar accessed through the hamburger menu. This new approach provides a cleaner, more intuitive way to browse your contacts. But perhaps the most notable change is the addition of a widget that will give users the ability to see text conversations from selected contacts right on their home screen. When the feature rolls out to your device, you'll need to grant the Contacts app the necessary permission to fully view your messages, as they will now be more easily accessible to prying eyes.
Image credit: TheSPAndroid
As with many Google updates, especially those that are still in testing and yet to be announced, the rollout timeline is very TBD. Usually, such updates are reserved for Pixel feature drops. If all goes well and no significant bugs are found during testing, it's possible we could see this rollout around April, but that's just good old speculation on our part.
