Google’s Contacts app is one of the better options out there for managing your contacts, offering up some robust features but still keeping things uncluttered and the opposite of complex. For a while Google’s Contacts app was only available through specific phones, Nexus devices for the most part, but they eventually launched the app in the Play Store last winter alongside the standalone Phone app. From that time forward a much larger number of users were able to get their hands on the Google contacts app even if they were using a manufacturer device from a carrier. The app was however still limited to pretty much anything running Android 5.1 Lollipop and above.
Today Google has just started rolling out an update to Google Contacts which brings it forward to version 1.4.9, and the change to take note of is the expansion of compatibility for the application to more devices. While Android 5.1 devices and those running on Android 6.0 Marshmallow have had access to the app for months, today’s update opens up the support to devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop which means many more devices are now going to have the opportunity to download and install it to see what it’s all about. Some users may even find that they like it more than their stock contacts app which comes installed on the phone out of the box.
As with most Google apps, Contacts is the latest to see an update today as both Play Games and more recently Calendar have gotten updates today as well. While Play Games introduced the new Gamer ID system to all users finally alongside the auto sign-in to games, Google introduced a new feature to Calendar called “Goals” which essentially helps users set and reach goals on just bout anything. Users will of course need to configure those goals before Calendar can assist users in keeping on track with them, but it’s a nice new feature which should delight avid Calendar users while also helping them make the most out of the application. As for Contacts, the latest version should be live in the Play Store if you have a supported device, but if you can find it or the update isn’t yet live you can always download it from the apk link below.