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

Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Contacts has removed the “Recently Added” section from the Highlights tab.
- The upcoming “Pixel Besties” widget will allow users to view recent interactions and memories with their favorite contacts.
- 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.
New Google Calendar widget makes life simpler

Google recently added a fresh look to its Calendar app with a new widget for Android users. This update brings a handy tool that lets you peek at your schedule right from your phone’s home screen. It’s perfect for anyone who likes staying organized without opening the app every time.
The widget comes in a small size, showing your next event or task in a clean, easy-to-read layout. You can place it anywhere on your home screen, and it updates on its own to keep you in the loop. Whether it’s a meeting, a birthday, or a quick reminder, you’ll see what’s coming up without extra taps.
What’s cool is how simple it is to use. Unlike older widgets, this one cuts out the clutter—just the basics you need. It pulls info straight from your Google Calendar, so everything stays connected. If you’ve got multiple calendars, like one for work and one for home, it can handle that too.
Adding it is a breeze. Just long-press your home screen, pick “Widgets,” find Google Calendar, and drop it where you want. You can’t resize it yet, but its small shape fits nicely with other apps or icons. Some users might wish for more size options or extra details, but this keeps things light and fast.
This update shows Google’s focus on making tools that save time. It’s not about fancy extras—it’s about getting your day in front of you quickly. If you’re an Android user who loves staying on top of things, this widget is worth a try. Check it out and see how it fits into your routine!
Pixel 9a Breakdown: A peek inside Google’s latest phone

Google’s Pixel 9a isn’t even out yet—it launches next week—but someone’s already taken it apart! A video by PBKreviews gives us a sneak peek at what’s inside the Obsidian-colored model. You can open it from the front screen or the back, but the video focuses on the back.
To swap the screen, you just heat it, lift the top, undo one screw, and unplug the cable—no extra steps needed. Inside, there’s a plastic back plate and a cover for the main board, held by 16 screws. You’ll spot a thin graphite layer over the wireless charging and NFC parts, plus a big LED flash.
The battery, a hefty 5,100 mAh, has pull tabs to remove it, though they’re not much better than before. Underneath, there’s a copper cooling system—something fancy that used to be only in the pricier Pixel 9 Pro. The main board shows off the cameras: one for wide shots, one for super-wide shots, and one for selfies.
The video also points out a neat detail—if you accidentally poke the SIM tool into the wrong hole, no worries! The microphones and filters are placed safely above, so they won’t get damaged. This early look hints at what’s coming with the Pixel 9a. It’s got some cool upgrades, like that cooling system, and keeps things simple for repairs.
Plus, Google’s adding a new “Battery Health Assistance” feature to help the battery last longer. But it’s missing a few things, like Satellite SOS and some AI tricks, because of an older modem and less memory. Stay tuned for the full scoop when it hits stores!
Android
Android 16 Is Coming: New features to get excited about

Google is already working on Android 16, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting update for Android fans. Even though Android 15 just rolled out, the next version is in the early stages, with clues popping up in software code. This shows Google isn’t slowing down when it comes to improving its popular mobile system.
One big hint about Android 16 comes from changes in how audio works. The code suggests that the update might bring better support for music and sound tools. This could mean clearer audio, smoother playback, or even new ways to enjoy songs and videos on your phone. For people who love music or watch a lot of content, this could make a real difference.
Another cool feature in the works is something called “host image copy.” It’s a fancy term, but it basically means Android 16 might let apps share pictures or screenshots more easily. Imagine taking a photo or grabbing a screen image and sending it to another app without extra steps. This could save time and make things like editing or sharing way simpler.
These early signs show Google is focused on making Android 16 practical and user-friendly. The audio upgrades could improve how we listen, while the image-sharing trick might speed up everyday tasks. Since it’s still early, not everything is set in stone, but the ideas are promising.
For now, Android fans can look forward to a system that keeps getting better. Google’s fast pace means we won’t have to wait too long to see what’s next. With Android 16 already cooking, it’s clear the tech giant wants to keep its users happy with fresh, helpful updates.
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