Subj : Android's Contacts app could get a version of Snapchats worst fea To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Thu May 25 2023 16:30:03 Android's Contacts app could get a version of Snapchats worst feature Date: Thu, 25 May 2023 15:16:01 +0000 Description: Android's Contacts is getting Google Maps support, so you can always know where your friends are, and even what the weather's like for them. FULL STORY ====================================================================== Google has been steadily revamping its Android Contacts app, but the next apparent upgrade might feel too invasive for some. Thats because it could add Google Maps and Weather information for where your contacts are potentially making it feel like a version of Snapchats Snap Map feature. So far, Googles Contacts upgrades have been pretty small but nevertheless good additions to the app. Earlier this year it got a tablet-optimized layout perfect for the new Google Pixel Tablet announced at Google I/O 2023 and it also received Birthday reminders. If you have Birthday information for a contact, the app can remind you to call or text them on their special day. According to leaks, the next update could bring a few changes. Firstly, at the more minor end, images shared by @Nail_Sadykov on Twitter show a slightly different design for individual contacts pages buttons to Call, Text, Video and Email the person will now appear in circular bubbles below their picture. The Highlights tab will also get a new box, recommending contacts that you should add to your Favorites. However, the bigger change is the addition of Maps and Weather data to your Contacts pages. If you have their home address information, when you visit their page in your Contacts app youll see info about what the weather is like where they live. Whats more, if the contact wants to share their live location with you, you can press a button on the page to see where they are and get directions to them. New upcoming changes to the Google Contacts app: pic.twitter.com/9wB1jSgZ6i May 24, 2023 See more Based on the leaks, its not entirely clear how the location-sharing feature will work. If it copies Google Maps, the person sharing their location info has to set it up manually each time. When they do, they can choose to share their location until they turn it off, or for a set period of time before it turns off automatically. The leaked images suggest that Contacts may favor the more long-term location-sharing option, making it feel like Snapchats Snap Map feature . You would manually set up who your share your location info with, and then anytime the contact wants they can come and find you. This system has its benefits for fans of impromptu meet-ups, but the set-it-and-forget-it system could lead to some issues you might find that youve shared your location with contacts that you've since decided that youd like to keep that data private from. Additionally, it could see your phones data consumption go up a fair bit as its having to constantly signal where you are. Until the feature launches we wont know exactly how it works, although whatever system Google decides we expect itll be entirely opt-in. So if you dont like the way Android Contact location-sharing works, you wont have to engage with it all. ====================================================================== Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/androids-contacts-app-could-get-a-version-of-sn apchats-worst-feature --- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64) * Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100) .