Google’s Phone app is making a fun upgrade. It’s introducing “Calling Cards,” a feature that lets you personalize how contacts appear when they call you. This update is akin to the Contact Poster option available for iPhone users since 2023. Instead of small pictures, you’ll now see full-screen images and flashy names when someone rings you.
This change is part of Google’s broader redesign, known as Material 3 Expressive. After testing a new interface for the Phone app in June, Google has begun rolling out Calling Cards in version v188 of the app. Users around the world will receive this feature gradually, so it may take some time before everyone has access.
Once the feature is ready, a banner on the Home tab will announce it. By clicking on it or navigating to it within the Contacts section, you can start creating Calling Cards for your contacts. You can use images from your device’s gallery, camera, or Google Photos, along with your choice of font and colors for the contact’s name.
However, there is one limitation. Unlike iOS’s Contact Posters, Google’s Calling Cards can only be customized for your device. This means you can’t design a card that will show up on someone else’s phone when you call them. You’ll need to set these screens individually for each contact. But the good news is, they won’t be able to change how their card looks on your device, allowing you some creative freedom.
Alongside this, Google is also launching a “Take a Message” feature. This automatically answers missed calls and transcribes voicemails for you. Users can record custom greetings or choose from pre-set options. All messages and transcripts are stored privately on your device. This feature is available on Pixel 4 and newer phones, as well as on Pixel Watch 2 when paired with a compatible Google phone.
Recent data shows that personalization in technology is trending. A survey from Deloitte found that 40% of consumers prefer personalized communication in apps and services. This reflects a growing demand for features that make our digital interactions more individual and engaging.
So, whether it’s customizing how your contacts appear or having voicemails efficiently transcribed, Google’s latest updates are all about making the user experience richer and more personal. For more details about this update, check Google’s official support page here.
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