Google Launches IPhone-Like ‘Calling Card’ Feature
Apple has been criticized by the tech community for stealing Android features , but the truth is, the theft goes both ways. After all, imitation is the highest form of flattery. The latest example is a new feature in Google’s Contacts app: a full-screen “business card” reminiscent of Apple’s “ Contact Posters .”
The idea behind both features is simple: Instead of a traditional image that you can set for a specific contact when you call, the call card (and contact poster, for that matter) is a dynamic, full-screen graphic for each caller. It takes advantage of the large, edge-to-edge displays that have become standard in recent years, displaying a large image with bright, eye-catching text.
Visually, business cards and contact posters are pretty similar, with perhaps a few Apple- or Google-specific tweaks. However, there’s one key difference between each feature: With Apple’s contact poster, you create an image of your contact, while with business cards, you create an image of everyone else’s contact . In fact, Apple and Google have polar opposite views on this feature: Apple believes that each user should have control over how their contact posters look on everyone else’s iPhone, while Google believes that users should decide for themselves how their friends’ and family’s business cards look on their phones.
This creates an interesting divide: Apple doesn’t let you create contact posters for other users, and Google doesn’t let you create your own business cards. I think Google’s approach is more in line with our traditional approach to contact photos: each user chooses the images they want to see for each of their contacts.
How to install a phone card on Android
Android Authority first spotted this feature in the latest version (4.61.28.792249534) of the Google Contacts app, as well as the latest beta (188.0.793710089-publicbeta-pixel2024) of the Google Phone app. While Google appears to be slowly rolling out this feature, it may already be available on your device. If you want to try it out, be sure to update the Google Contacts app to the latest version on your Android device.
Now, go to the desired contact. If you have this feature, you should see a pop-up on this screen that says “Try adding a business card.” Tap it, and you’ll see a blank screen asking you to add a new image from your camera roll, image gallery, or Google Photos. Select a photo from any source. Once the photo is added to the business card, you can customize the color and font of the contact’s name. You’ll also be able to choose how large or small the selected image is by pinching and stretching it.
The traditional contact photo is still here. You can crop the business card to include the standard contact image or choose a different photo.
I always welcome features like this from companies like Google, because it’s just fun. It won’t make calls any easier, and there’s nothing wrong with the current contact photo setup. But as long as these phones have big, impressive displays, we can use them.