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Android Prepares to Introduce Next-Gen Call Customization
Android users may soon enjoy a modern and visually enriched calling experience, thanks to a new feature reportedly in development at Google. Inspired by Apple's Contact Posters introduced in iOS 17, this potential addition, dubbed "calling cards," was recently uncovered during an APK teardown of the Google Contacts app.
What Are Calling Cards?
The upcoming feature, still under wraps, aims to give users greater control over how they appear on others' screens during phone calls. According to insights first reported by Android Authority, freshly discovered code in version 4.55 of Google Contacts references the use of custom images as both contact photos and calling cards. This signals that users may soon be able to personalize their caller ID with full-screen visuals and unique fonts—features that echo the immersive customization offered by Apple’s Contact Posters.
Comparing Android Calling Cards and iOS Contact Posters
Apple set the standard last year with Contact Posters, letting iPhone users craft bespoke visuals, names, and photos that appear during outbound calls. Included within this identity-centric approach is NameDrop, an effortless way to exchange contact data with a simple tap between devices. Android’s calling cards, while still in early development, seem poised to deliver a similar suite of capabilities—giving the call interface both personality and flair.
Cloud Syncing and Cross-Device Convenience
Another standout benefit hinted at in the code is cloud syncing. Strings referencing Google Play Services suggest users will be able to store their calling cards in the cloud and manage them across multiple Android devices, ensuring seamless, consistent caller presentation no matter which device is in use.
Use Cases and Market Impact
Personalized calling cards could be a game-changer for both everyday users and professionals. Imagine showcasing your company logo during work calls, or simply adding a touch of individuality with creative visuals. Most Android fans already have Google account-linked profile images, so extending this visual identity to outgoing calls represents a straightforward way to enhance user engagement and refresh a call screen interface that has seen little evolution over the years.
What's Next? Managing Expectations
It's important to note that APK teardowns simply expose features in development; there's no guarantee when—or if—calling cards will be officially released. Google has yet to announce or confirm any details publicly. Nevertheless, integrating calling cards into Android’s calling ecosystem would be a natural evolution, especially as mobile platforms increasingly emphasize personalization and user experience.
For now, tech enthusiasts and Android fans alike will have to wait and see if and when these promising features make their debut. But one thing is clear: the call screen could soon become a dynamic canvas for personal expression—right at the heart of every conversation.
Source: phonearena
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