Adamya Sharma / Android Authority
TL;DR We spotted Google Contacts code that hints at contact-specific vibration patterns for Pixel phones.
Apple and Samsung already allow you to assign specific haptics to your contacts.
If it rolls out, the feature would tell you who’s calling even when your Pixel is in silent mode.
Pixel phones already let you set custom ringtones for individual contacts, but Google could be preparing to take things further. Code hidden in the latest version of the Google Contacts app suggests you’ll eventually be able to assign vibration patterns to specific people, so you’ll know who’s calling even when your phone’s in silent mode.
The discovery comes from version 4.63.22.800982376 of Google Contacts, where we spotted new strings referencing vibration names and combinations with ringtones. Phrases like “Vibration_name” for specific contacts hint at the ability to pair unique haptics with existing ringtones for that person. We also spotted references in the Java code, though we couldn’t enable the feature in testing. Check out the clues we found below.
Code Copy Text
This wouldn’t be the first time Google has played with custom vibrations on Pixel. Back in January, we spotted a Pixel Sounds update in testing that adds a dedicated “Vibrations” tab, offering more than a dozen patterns for ringtones and notifications. Bringing contact-specific haptics into Contacts would tie neatly into that system.
Custom vibrations can be handy if your phone spends most of its time on vibrate in your pocket, or if you’re in a noisy environment. A unique buzz from your partner or boss can tell you who’s calling without pulling your phone out, giving you a subtle indication of whether the call is worth answering.
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