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Google Contacts removes ‘Recently Added’ section and prepares for new ‘Pixel Besties’ widget

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Google Contacts

Top 3 Key Points:

  1. Google Contacts has removed the “Recently Added” section from the Highlights tab.
  2. The upcoming “Pixel Besties” widget will allow users to view recent interactions and memories with their favorite contacts.
  3. The update simplifies the user interface but might limit the visibility of recently added contacts.

In recent updates to Google Contacts for Android, the app has made a few significant changes, including the removal of the “Recently Added” section from the Highlights tab. Initially introduced in late 2022, the Highlights tab featured a section displaying your most recently added and viewed contacts. However, with the latest update, Google has decided to streamline this feature by removing the “Recently Added” section altogether.

The Highlights tab still includes the Favorites grid, birthday reminders in the “For you” section, and a “Recents” area that now indirectly serves the function of showing newly added contacts. When you create a new contact, it will automatically appear in the “Recents” list after being saved. You can still find the specific “Added” date for any contact at the bottom of their details page.

This change is part of the Google Contacts version 4.38.x update, might have been made to simplify the user interface. It also could be due to the fact that the “Recently Added” section only displayed contacts created locally on your device and didn’t account for contacts added via the web.

In addition to these updates, Google is also working on a new feature called the “Pixel Besties” widget. This widget is designed to help users stay connected with their favorite contacts by displaying recent communications and shared memories. The widget, which will support up to seven starred contacts, seems to build on the existing Individual contact widget, expanding its functionality to provide a more comprehensive view of your interactions with your favorite people. However, the final design and complete features of this widget are still under development.

These changes indicate Google’s ongoing efforts to refine the user experience in Google Contacts, making it more intuitive and focused on what matters most to users.

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Android

Google updates Gboard emoji kitchen and Android Auto with new features

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Android Auto

Google is bringing some fresh updates to make Gboard and Android Auto even better.

Starting with Gboard, the Emoji Kitchen now has a new “Browse” section. This makes it easier for users to find different emoji sticker combos. You can tap on any emoji and instantly see all the creative mixes available. Plus, there’s a search bar to help you look for specific stickers. This new feature is rolling out first to Pixel devices, with other Android phones expected to get it in the coming months.

On the other hand, Android Auto is now getting the 14.3 beta update. Although there are no big changes yet, this version mainly focuses on fixing bugs and improving performance. Testers have noticed slight speed improvements, but no new features have been spotted so far. Google might be preparing for bigger changes in future updates.

Both these updates show that Google is working hard to make its apps smoother and easier to use. Gboard’s new browsing tool will make messaging more fun, while Android Auto’s small fixes are important for a better driving experience.

If you have a Pixel phone or are part of the Android Auto beta program, you might already see these updates. Otherwise, they should be available to more users soon.

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Android

Android’s Find My Device speeds up with UWB coming soon

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Google Find My Device

Google’s Find My Device network for Android has gotten a big boost, making it much quicker to locate misplaced items. Recent checks show it’s now four times faster than it used to be, keeping up with Apple’s AirTags in crowded spots like malls or events. For instance, at CES 2025, a tracker tucked in a bag updated its location just as fast as an AirTag nearby. This speed-up is thanks to more Android users turning on tracking for all locations, not only busy areas, which helps the system spot items more reliably.

In less crowded places, the network can still have trouble since fewer Android phones are nearby to share location signals. But Google’s working on this by nudging users through app alerts to enable tracking in quieter spots. Plus, recent updates to tracker software and apps have made connections more stable and accurate.

Looking ahead, Google’s gearing up to roll out ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. This will let you find items with pinpoint accuracy, even within a room, using cool augmented reality (AR) visuals, much like Apple’s setup. The Moto Tag, a tracker ready for UWB, is already available, just waiting for Google to activate this feature. Not all Android phones support UWB yet, but future models like the Pixel 10 might include it. These changes prove Google’s determined to make its Find My Device network a top choice for tracking lost stuff.

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Google

Gmail and Google Photos get new design and useful updates

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Gmail

Google is giving Gmail and Google Photos some fresh updates to make things easier and more user-friendly.

First, Gmail on the web is now getting a new layout option. You can choose between “Cozy,” “Comfortable,” or “Compact” views based on how much space you want between your emails. Google is also adding a setting to control whether your inbox and labels stay on screen or only show up when needed. These changes make it easier to personalize how Gmail looks and feels.

Meanwhile, Gmail for iPhone is getting a visual upgrade. The app now uses Google’s updated design style called “Material 3.” You’ll notice a cleaner look with a rounded search bar at the top, smoother icons, and better spacing. Although the bottom bar and buttons look mostly the same, the overall design feels more modern and easier on the eyes.

Lastly, Google Photos is bringing back a helpful feature. The classic search shortcut that appears in the bottom bar is returning, making it quicker to find your photos. Before this, the shortcut had been removed when Google added the new “Memories” tab. Now, both features work together, letting you browse memories and search with ease.

These updates aim to make Google’s apps feel more useful, clean, and easier to use on both desktop and mobile.

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