Google Contacts, amidst a series of new feature rollouts this year, unveils its latest enhancement today by integrating local time and weather information into its platform.
For entries containing addresses, a supplementary card will now showcase the respective city’s present time. Additionally, users will be furnished with the current temperature and weather conditions, presented both visually and textually. Regrettably, this function does not currently offer a direct link to a comprehensive weather forecast on Google Search or the Weather app, a potential improvement for user convenience. Positioning this feature higher up on the interface could also enhance user accessibility.
Transparency regarding data sourcing is maintained, as Google Contacts attributes the weather data to weather.com, aligning with established practices in Google Search. Notably, the overflow menu presents an expedited route to address editing. However, our preliminary trials indicate that the app does not extend its time and weather presentation to neighboring locations.
This newly incorporated information holds the potential to significantly benefit users in pre-call or pre-texting contexts. Beyond its practical utility, it can serve as an engaging conversation starter. Moreover, it aids users in gauging the appropriateness of initiating communication-based on the recipient’s current conditions.
Parallelly, a cosmetic alteration is introduced as Google Contacts adopts circular profile images, supplanting the erstwhile square variant that spanned the edge-to-edge parameter. Another recent interface adjustment involves the arrangement of call, text, and video buttons within thematic circular elements.
For those not yet privy to the time and weather card feature, a workaround involves force-stopping Google Contacts via the App info menu, thereby prompting its activation. This functionality is observable from version 4.14 onwards, effective from this evening onward.
