Google Contacts revamps contact creation and gears up for Apple’s stolen device protection-like feature
Top 3 Key Points:
- Google Contacts redesign simplifies creating new contacts with centered fields and shortcuts.
- Android 15 may introduce “mandatory biometrics,” restricting fallback PIN/password access outside trusted locations.
- Google aims to improve security, borrowing features from Apple’s Stolen Device Protection.
Google Contacts has introduced a major update to its contact creation process. This change simplifies how you add new contacts, while Google also prepares to enhance security in Android 15 with a feature similar to Apple’s Stolen Device Protection.
Google Contacts Redesign
The updated Google Contacts app (version 4.39) revamps the way users create new contacts. As usual, the profile photo appears at the top, followed by first and last name fields. However, the dropdown for adding a prefix, middle name, or suffix has been removed, making the interface cleaner.
The “Company” field remains the same but now lacks the small icons that previously accompanied the fields. One noticeable change is that fields such as email and significant dates are hidden behind a button, focusing more on phone numbers, which come with a pre-filled country code.
This redesign also introduces shortcuts to add an address or assign a label, while the “Notes” section is still available at the bottom. You can add additional details like middle names, nicknames, job titles, and more via the “Add fields” button.
Android’s Improved Security Measures
In parallel, Google is working on a security feature similar to Apple’s Stolen Device Protection. Android 15 QPR1 is expected to include an update called “Identity Check,” which enhances device security by focusing on biometric authentication.
Currently, Android apps use a biometric prompt (like fingerprint or face recognition), but users can still bypass this using a PIN or password. Google aims to change that by making biometric authentication mandatory when the phone is outside “trusted locations.” This means when your phone leaves a familiar area, like your home, Android will block PIN/password fallbacks, ensuring stronger security.
This new feature, discovered in the Android 15 Beta, mimics Apple’s method of securing sensitive data when an iPhone leaves a trusted environment. It also ties into Google’s Trusted Places, where the phone stays unlocked in certain locations. Once rolled out, the feature will likely require Android 15 or higher to operate.
Final Thoughts
Google’s latest updates in Contacts and Android security show a clear focus on user experience and safety. While the Contacts redesign makes adding details easier, Android’s upcoming security features signal a step forward in protecting personal data, especially in case of theft. Both updates promise a more seamless and secure user experience.