Following yesterday’s announcement, Google is widely rolling out the new Pixel VIPs widget to the Pixel 6+ on Android 16 (and QPR1).
Once rolled out, open Google Contacts and go to the Organize tab. The new “Pixel VIPs” page lets you choose up to eight contacts with several suggestions offered. They will automatically become your favorites and can bypass DND (Do Not Disturb). The rounded rectangle design is identical to the Favorite contacts widget (which gets replaced today), but it is resizable.
You have to grant permissions before adding the widget:
- SMS: Allow to view the last message with your VIPs
- WhatsApp: Allow to view the last message and call with your VIPs
- Location: Allow to get activity suggestions personalized for you and your VIPs
When tapping on your homescreen, the VIP page slides up a sheet from the bottom of the screen. (This information cannot be accessed from inside Google Contacts.) You get a row of shortcuts for calling, messaging, video, etc., as well as a shortcut to open their full Contacts page. First up is a prominent card if you have upcoming birthdays and anniversaries.
Last connection can show the most recent phone call (date and duration), and Google Messages or WhatsApp chat (including pictures). A tap opens that conversation thread.
The Local updates section shows a map (if you’re sharing location in Google Maps/Find Hub). Otherwise, you get weather and time/date based on their address in Contacts.
Notes is the most interesting feature here. You can add text memos, with a Google Keep-like interface.
Things to do together will show cards of movies & TV shows and popular locations. To customize, Google asks “what do you like to do together”: Movies & TV, Podcasts, Books, Sports, Shopping, Food & drink, Arts & museum, Entertainment, Outdoors, Spa. You can also specify movie/show and book genres, as well as cuisines. You have the ability to thumbs up/down and share each card.
On the privacy front, this information is saved locally:
Pixel VIPs allows you to input various preferences such as what type of food, books, and music you like. This information is saved to your device only. Google may use this information to provide you with suggestions like restaurants near you or books to discuss with your VIPs.
Crisis alerts will let you “receive alerts based on your VIPs’ real-time location (if they share it) or address if you’ve provided it in your contacts or directly in the VIPs overlay.”
Make sure the responsible service and Google Contacts are up-to-date in the Play Store. We’re seeing it widely rolled out this afternoon after force stopping the Contacts app.
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