Google rolls out interface updates for Phone and Photos apps

Google is implementing several interface updates across its mobile applications. The Phone by Google app is restoring a dedicated contacts tab to the bottom menu bar, reversing a previous redesign that had moved the feature to a side drawer. This rollout is currently being deployed to beta testers through phased updates.

Additionally, the Phone app on Pixel hardware is gaining local audio transcription capabilities. The system can automatically answer missed or rejected calls using a voice assistant, record the message, and generate a real-time text transcription. This processing is performed locally on the device hardware.

Google Photos for Android is also receiving a redesign of its Collections tab. The update introduces a customizable ‘Pinned’ section, allowing users to select which cards appear at the top of the interface. Users can also hide specific sections or rearrange the order of carousels, such as Albums, People & pets, and Places, to suit their preferences.