Unlocking Potential: 5 Essential Features Google Should Consider for Pixel VIPs Widget

Google has recently enhanced the Pixel VIPs widget significantly, improving its utility compared to its original release a year ago. The upgraded widget now offers added interactivity, making it simpler to contact frequently used contacts, while the new full-screen design displays more detailed information about your selected individuals.

Since the Pixel VIPs was initially introduced during Android 16, its functionalities have evolved considerably with the arrival of Android 17. Still, there remain a few features that could further enhance its effectiveness.

Having utilized the revamped Pixel VIPs widget for a while, here are some features and improvements I would appreciate Google adding in future updates.

While it’s commendable that Google hasn’t confined Pixel VIPs exclusively to Google Messages, with current support also for WhatsApp, the reality is that WhatsApp is the sole significant third-party messaging application integrated.

Numerous users depend on other messaging applications like Telegram and Signal. If you utilize Pixel VIPs for professional contacts, it’s likely you use Slack or Microsoft Teams for many of those communications too.

Regrettably, Pixel VIPs presently does not support any of those applications. It would be beneficial for Google to broaden its integration to other third-party messaging services and ideally allow users to choose which apps to utilize for each contact.

A notable feature of Pixel VIPs is the ability to write notes about your favorite contacts directly on their dedicated pages. This can include tracking preferences or storing gift ideas for special occasions.

However, the notes section currently lacks a search feature. Thus, if you’ve documented numerous notes about a contact and wish to find a specific one, you have to scroll through them manually.

This limitation was evident even during our initial review of Pixel VIPs, and unfortunately, it remains unaddressed. For a feature meant to help you remember essential details about contacts, incorporating a basic search option seems a necessary enhancement.

I appreciate that the Pixel VIPs widget displays large contact images and provides quick access buttons for communication.

However, the contact profile pictures are not always selected with widget appearance in mind. A favorite image might not be well-suited for display within the Pixel VIPs widget format.

I wish Google would allow the selection of a unique display image for the widget for each contact, so the original picture remains while a more visually appealing one can be showcased.

Furthermore, as we discuss widget customization, I would like Google to permit changes to the buttons displayed alongside each contact. Currently, while the direct call and message buttons are useful, not everyone interacts with their preferred contacts similarly.

For instance, I would prefer to have a WhatsApp shortcut instead of the default messaging button for some contacts. Conversely, there are individuals I seldom call, making a dedicated call button unnecessary.

Currently, pressing the call button connects you directly to the contact, which is convenient if that’s your intention, but having the option to replace or remove it would be more beneficial.

One peculiar aspect of Pixel VIPs is its heavy reliance on the home screen widget. Currently, the primary method to access Pixel VIPs is through the addition of that widget from the Contacts section.

However, what if someone prefers not to have another widget consuming space on their home screen but still wishes to utilize all of Pixel VIPs’ features? There’s no simple way to accomplish that right now.

I believe Google should either launch a dedicated Pixel VIPs app, akin to the recent Now Playing app release, or, even better, embed the feature right into the Google Contacts app. This integration would create a more organized approach to accessing your favorite contacts.

It would streamline the entire process, particularly for users who wish to utilize Pixel VIPs without altering their home screen layout.