Google Contacts for Android is finally rolling out birthday notifications, feature users have anticipated for a while. This update aims to make it easier for you to remember and celebrate your contacts’ special days.
Birthday Notifications in Google Contacts
Birthday notifications in Google Contacts for Android have been in the works since March, and the update is now starting to roll out to users. This feature allows users to add and manage their contacts’ birthdays in a more organized manner, providing helpful cues across various Google services. The update will help you remember your friends and family members’ birthdays and make it more convenient to add these important dates to your calendar.
The Add Birthdays Card
The birthday notification feature has been introduced as the “Add birthdays” card within the Highlights tab’s “For You” section. When you open the Google Contacts app, the card will prompt you to save your contacts’ birthdays so that they will appear on your birthday calendar. This feature aims to make it easier for users to add and manage birthdays across Google services.
The List View of Contacts’ Birthdays
When you tap on the “Add birthdays” card, you will be taken to a list view of all your contacts, with a cake icon next to those who don’t have a birthday added yet. This user interface is optimized for fast, allowing you to quickly add and edit birthdays for your contacts. However, it is currently unclear how to access this list view once the card has been dismissed.
Adding Birthday Notifications for Individual Contacts
Once the birthday notification feature is rolled out on your device, you can add a birthday notification for an individual contact by opening their contact card and accessing the overflow menu. From there, you’ll find the “Add birthday notification” option. This addition makes setting up reminders for specific contacts’ birthdays more convenient.
The Rollout of Birthday Notifications
Google Contacts for Android rolling out birthday notifications is currently in progress, with the feature being implemented in version 4.7.26.x. However, it is essential to note that the rollout is incomplete and may not be available to all users now. As with most app updates, the availability of the birthday notification feature will likely expand over time.
Recent Additions to Google Contacts
In addition to the birthday notifications feature, Google Contacts has recently received several other updates to improve the user experience. Some of these updates include Material You home screen widgets, contact images within Chats, and an improved tablet interface for the app.
Integration with Google Calendar
Google Calendar, lacking in birthday-related features, may also receive its version of birthday reminders soon.
This would further streamline the user experience by allowing users to access and manage their contacts’ birthdays within Google Contacts and Google Calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How do I enable birthday notifications in Google Contacts for Android?
Once the feature is rolled out on your device, you can start using birthday notifications by opening the Highlights tab in Google Contacts and tapping the “Add birthdays” card under the “For You” section. This will take you to a list view of your contacts, where you can add and manage birthdays.
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Can I add birthday notifications for individual contacts?
You can add birthday notifications for individual contacts by opening their contact card, accessing the overflow menu, and selecting the “Add birthday notification” option.
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Is the birthday notification feature available to all users?
The rollout of birthday notifications in Google Contacts for Android is currently in progress but has not yet reached all users. It is expected to become more widely available over time.
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How can I access the list view of contacts’ birthdays once I’ve dismissed the “Add birthdays” card?
It is currently unclear how to access the list view of contacts’ birthdays once the “Add birthdays” card has been dismissed. Google may provide a more straightforward way to access this feature in future updates.
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Will Google Calendar also receive birthday reminders?
There are indications that Google Calendar may receive its version of birthday reminders soon, further integrating Google’s suite of apps and services.
Conclusion
Introducing birthday notifications in Google Contacts for Android is a welcome addition for users looking to manage better and remember their contacts’ special days. While the feature is not yet available to all users, it is expected to become more widely accessible. In the meantime, users can look forward to a more streamlined experience by integrating Google Calendar and other recent updates to Google Contacts.
