Google has recently rolled out updates for its Contacts and Messages apps, bringing some noteworthy enhancements to both platforms.
Google Contacts App: New Birthday Reminders Feature
The Google Contacts app has been undergoing continuous improvements, with a particular focus on aesthetic updates. However, users can now benefit from more than just visual changes. A recent update introduces a new feature called “Reminders” within the “Correct and Manage” tab. This addition allows users to set reminders for important dates related to their contacts, particularly birthdays.
Courtesy of the AssembleDebug Twitter account, which has gained attention for uncovering upcoming features in various Google applications, the latest version of Google Contacts hosts the new “Reminders” page. By accessing this page, users can easily set reminders for significant dates like birthdays. When viewing a contact, users can tap “Add reminder” to configure notifications for the contact’s birthday, either two days before, seven days before, or two weeks before the actual date. These reminders will be conveniently displayed in the “Reminders” section of the contact’s profile.
Google contacts v4.13.25 getting a birthday reminder setting screen. It it still in work. Here is a video of the feature.#Google #Android pic.twitter.com/fNoFx0C4KG
— AssembleDebug (@AssembleDebug) July 21, 2023
Google Messages App for Tablets: New Direct Replies Feature
In an effort to align the functionality of the smartphone app and the web client, Google Messages has been receiving regular updates. However, one feature had been missing on Android tablets—direct replies to RCS messages. The absence of this functionality on tablets puzzled users, given the ongoing efforts to enhance the user experience on larger screens.
Nevertheless, Google has now addressed this discrepancy. With the latest update, the Google Messages app for tablets has finally gained the direct replies feature. When users press and hold a message within a chat, the reply button (displayed as an arrow inside a blue circle) appears next to the message. Additionally, reactions via emojis continue to be available above the message, and a reference to the message being replied to will be shown above the text field.
In conclusion, Google has made significant strides in updating and optimizing its Contacts and Messages apps. These new features, such as the birthday reminders in Google Contacts and the direct replies on tablets for Google Messages, demonstrate the company’s dedication to improving user experience across its various platforms.