Introduction
Google is set to improve the user experience of its Phone app by allowing users to personalize how their caller ID appears on other devices. This enhancement, which addresses a significant limitation in the existing Calling Cards feature, aligns Google's offerings more closely with Apple's Contact Posters. As users increasingly seek to express their individuality even through phone calls, this update comes as a welcome change for Android users.
A Significant Upgrade to Caller ID Management
One of the most exciting updates for iOS users was the introduction of the Contact Posters feature in the iOS 17 update. This feature allows users to display a full-screen image of the caller on their devices. In a response to this, Google launched its own version called Calling Cards last year, which enables Android users to customize how incoming calls from known contacts are shown. However, it has been noted that Google's feature lacked one crucial capability: the ability to manage how your caller ID appears on others' phones.
Reports from October of last year indicated that Google was aware of this limitation and began working on it. An APK teardown revealed a new "My Calling Card" option within the Phone by Google app, although it wasn’t functional at that time.
Customizing Your Calling Card
Recent beta versions of the Google Phone app now include the customizable "My Calling Card" feature. This enhancement will allow users to select a personal photo and customize font styles, further personalizing their caller ID. Users will also have the option to decide whether their Calling Card appears solely for known contacts or even for unsaved numbers they call.
When placing a call, the recipient will "see your name, photo, and other Google information." The app is designed to automatically adjust the image size according to the recipient's device, ensuring the best possible viewing experience.
What If the Recipient Has a Calling Card?
If the person receiving the call already has a Calling Card set up for you, that version will take precedence over your newly created one. Conversely, if they haven't configured a Calling Card for you, your customized version will be displayed.
Looking Ahead
Despite the delay in addressing this feature, which first appeared in the Phone app last August, the update brings a level of personalization that many users have been waiting for. While currently available only in the beta build, we anticipate that this feature will roll out in a stable release soon, although no timeline has been announced yet.
Many users appreciate the array of functionalities offered by the Phone by Google app, such as built-in scam detection, call recording, and caller ID announcements, making it one of the ideal choices for handling phone calls on Android.
