By Abner Li
Publication Date: 2025-11-26 19:59:00
Since Google introduced Pixel VIPs in June, the widget has become the primary way I message and call people. I use it multiple times throughout the day and it’s close to entering my first homescreen.
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This homescreen widget, which is offered through the Google Contacts app but does have a separate service powering it, has become a launcher for people. Tapping on an avatar brings up a bottom sheet, while the top half of your homescreen remains visible. This implementation makes Pixel VIPs feel more like a system UI than an app.
From that sheet (which picked up some Material 3 Expressive tweaks since launch), I have access to everything I primarily use Pixel VIPs for, including seeing the most recent message in our RCS conversation and last call. Meanwhile, the phone and…
