Mountain View, California — Google is enhancing its Phone app with the introduction of “Calling Cards,” a new feature allowing users to personalize the display of incoming calls. This addition is reminiscent of the Contact Posters feature that Apple unveiled for iPhone users, giving Android users the ability to replace small contact images with full-screen visuals accompanied by customized names.

This update aligns with Google’s broader initiative to refresh its Material 3 Expressive design philosophy, which aims to enrich user experiences across its applications. Earlier this month, beta testers for Google’s Contacts and Phone apps began to see the first glimpses of Calling Cards, with a wider rollout now taking place as part of version v188 of the Phone app. Google has announced that these cards will be accessible on a global scale, though the rollout will occur gradually.

When activated, the Phone app will display a notification prompting users to explore the new Calling Cards feature. By following this banner, users can easily create personalized screens for individual contacts. This customization process allows users to select images from various sources—such as their device’s camera, photo gallery, or Google Photos—and choose a unique font and color for the contact’s name.

Unlike Apple’s offering, which allows users to design their displays that others see when they call, Google’s Calling Cards function only on an individual basis. Each user creates their own customizations that will not be reflected on the caller’s end, meaning that personalized screens need to be set up for each contact on their devices. This feature adds a fun element to user interactions, as one can express their creativity in how they choose to represent their friends and family.

In addition to Calling Cards, users will also benefit from a new “Take a Message” feature that automatically answers and transcribes voicemails from missed calls. This capability enables users to record personalized greetings for callers, who will hear these when leaving a voicemail. For convenience, transcripts and voicemail audio are housed within the Recents tab of the app, and Google assures users that all messages are stored securely on their devices.

The new voicemail feature is specifically available for Pixel 4 and newer models, as well as Pixel Watch 2 when connected to recent Google smartphones, enhancing the overall experience for users on these platforms. As Google continues to innovate, these features may transform the way users interact with their devices, setting a new standard for personalization in communication.