Google Contacts has revamped its "Favorite contacts" widget on Android, offering a more streamlined and informative experience for users. This update follows the earlier enhancement of the "Individual" variant, which introduced message and call notifications alongside shared location.
Goodbye Rectangles, Hello Circles:
The previous design showcased large, rectangular profile pictures for a maximum of seven starred contacts. The new iteration replaces them with circular avatars, displaying the individual's full name underneath. This shift allows for showcasing a greater number of favorite contacts within the widget's space.
Goodbye Tiles, Hello Grid:
The previous layout relied on a tiled arrangement of the rectangular profile pictures. The redesign opts for a standard grid layout, enhancing consistency and better accommodating users with a larger number of favorite contacts. While some may find the tiled layout more visually appealing, the grid provides a more organized and familiar user experience.
Glance and Go:
The redesigned widget prioritizes information density. Birthdays are now highlighted with a badge icon, enabling users to quickly identify upcoming celebrations without needing to delve into the app. This feature adds a layer of glanceability, allowing users to stay on top of important dates without interrupting their workflow.
Flexibility and Personalization Remain:
The revamped widget retains the ability to resize, catering to user preference and available home screen real estate. Additionally, the widget continues to leverage themed Dynamic Color backgrounds, ensuring seamless integration with the overall Android theme.
Server-Side Update:
The "Favorite contacts" widget redesign is rolling out as a server-side update, meaning it doesn't require a manual app update from the Google Play Store. Users with Google Contacts for Android version 4.45 or later should automatically receive the refreshed widget.
The Verdict:
This update prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. While the previous design offered a visually distinct look, the new iteration enhances information density and accommodates a larger number of favorite contacts. The inclusion of birthday badges adds a layer of utility, catering to users who rely on their smartphones for managing social connections.
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