Google has begun rolling out an update to Google Contacts for Android that brings it to non-Google devices. The update, version 2.1 for those keeping score at home, will allow users running Android Lollipop or later to install the app and use it as your contacts app on your phone. Like many other Google apps, Contacts was limited to the Nexus and Pixel lineup to a large extent but Google has been relaxing this as of late.
If you have Google Contacts installed, the OTA update to this new version should be on your phone in the next few days. For those who want to download it and have a compatible device, you can get it in the Play Store.
Along with the support for more devices, there are also some new features in this update.
Perhaps the biggest new feature is the ability to easily move contacts from your device’s storage to your Google account. It is now a simply process that will keep your contacts backed up.
There is also an improvement for those who have multiple accounts setup on your device. There is now a clear separation of which contacts are in your work account and which ones are personal. You can filter on this and only show work or personal contacts too, making it a bit quicker to find a contact you are looking for in the app. Finally, there are improved suggestions for adding new contacts and cleaning up duplicates you may have in your accounts.
All-in-all, a solid update for sure and for those who have been wanting the native Google Contacts app, now is your chance. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
I wish they wouldn’t have taken away the “send to voicemail” option as part of this “upgrade”.