{
  "id": 16584546,
  "title": "Google finally made Pixel VIPs useful, but it’s missing these 5 features",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/google-finally-made-pixel-vips-useful-but-its-missing-these-5-features",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-26T10:00:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Android Authority",
    "slug": "android-authority",
    "url": "https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-vips-widget-missing-features-3724400/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Google recently upgraded the Pixel VIPs widget, making it much more interactive and useful. The new full-screen layout allows users to see more information about their favorite contacts in one place. However, despite these improvements, there are still some features missing that Google could add to make Pixel VIPs even better. While it's great that Pixel VIPs supports messages and calls from WhatsApp, it's the only major third-party messaging app supported. Users who primarily communicate with contacts through other apps like Telegram, Signal, Slack, or Microsoft Teams will find Pixel VIPs limited. Adding support for more third-party messaging services, and allowing users to choose which apps to use for each contact, would greatly enhance the feature. Another issue is the lack of a search function in the notes section of Pixel VIPs. Users can jot down notes about their favorite contacts, but finding specific information can be cumbersome if there are many notes. A basic search option would greatly improve the functionality of this feature. Additionally, the widget displays large contact photos, but users can't choose a separate photo specifically for the widget. This means the photo may not look as good on the home screen as the original contact photo. Offering the ability to customize the widget with a preferred photo for each contact would be a great addition. Lastly, Pixel VIPs is still heavily tied to the home screen widget. While adding the widget to the home screen is convenient, not everyone wants another widget taking up space. A dedicated Pixel VIPs app or integration directly into the Google Contacts app would make it easier for users to access their favorite contacts without changing their home screen layout. Overall, Google has made significant improvements to the Pixel VIPs experience, but there are still a few features missing that could make it even more useful for users.",
  "summary": "Google's revamped Pixel VIPs widget still has room to improve.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}