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Google’s Upcoming Pixel Besties Feature May Integrate WhatsApp
Recent developments within the latest WhatsApp beta hint at an exciting new feature designed by Google, potentially called “Pixel Besties.” This feature aims to streamline communication by allowing users to consolidate their calls and messages from favored contacts into a single location. Internally, this functionality has been referred to as “VIPs,” although the official name remains to be seen upon public launch.
For many users, mobile devices are the primary means of staying in touch with family, friends, and colleagues. However, managing conversations across multiple messaging platforms and social media can quickly become overwhelming. In response to this challenge, Google is reportedly developing a solution to prioritize important connections through the Pixel Besties/VIPs feature. Evidence from the WhatsApp v2.25.3.22 beta reveals indications that this messaging app could play a key role in the VIPs feature.
An APK teardown is a useful method for forecasting potential new features based on incomplete code. However, it’s important to note that some features anticipated from these teardowns may not ultimately appear in the finished product.
Within the WhatsApp beta version, a new Content Provider has been incorporated, labeled com.whatsapp.pixel.besties.provider.PixelBestiesApiContentProvider.
Content providers serve as critical components in Android applications, acting as centralized repositories for data. They enable other apps to access and modify that data through a consistent interface, facilitating data sharing. The Pixel Besties API Content Provider seems to function as a central database, with WhatsApp likely accessing and adjusting information through this API.
Moreover, the code references an as-yet-unreleased app titled com.google.android.apps.pixel.relationships, suggesting further development toward this new feature.
So, what exactly will the Pixel Besties/VIPs feature entail? Prior insights gleaned from the Google Contacts app indicate that this feature will aggregate interactions with selected contacts in one convenient location. Users may be able to review recent messages and calls with these designated VIPs, stay updated on their local news, and create new shared experiences.
Additionally, it has been noted that the Google Contacts app includes a widget for Pixel Besties/VIPs that gathers all pertinent information for display on the user’s home screen. The recent findings in the WhatsApp beta lead to speculation that users could soon see WhatsApp messages and calls summed up within this dedicated Pixel Besties widget. This widget seems to rely on a private API, requiring com.google.permission.besties.API permission as specified in the app manifest.
In summary, there are clear signs pointing to a collaboration between Google and WhatsApp to bring the Pixel Besties/VIPs feature to life. If this integration proceeds, WhatsApp might be the pioneering third-party application to connect with the feature. However, it is also feasible that Google will collaborate with additional popular messaging or social media applications, alongside its own services.
We will continue to monitor and provide updates on the progress of the Pixel Besties/VIPs feature as more information becomes available.
Source
www.androidauthority.com