Google Rolls Out Pixel VIPs Redesign as Play Games Tests New Sidekick Activation

The most visible change appears when a VIP is opened from the widget. A new floating navigation strip sits at the bottom of the screen and lets users swipe between VIPs without returning to the widget first. Tapping a profile picture in the strip jumps directly to that person, and long-pressing the bar brings up left and right arrows as another way to move through the list.

The update also reorganizes local updates, refreshes the interface with Material 3 Expressive styling, and removes the previous "Things to do together" recommendations section.

Separately, Google is adding an activation option to the Sidekick in-game overlay in Play Games, letting users turn the feature on from the notifications panel. The new method sits alongside the existing onscreen drag handle, which users currently have to drag on the right or left side of the screen to bring up Sidekick in supported games. Android Authority reported that it also spotted a double-tap-based activation method under development, though it is unclear when that option will be available.

Sidekick arrived as part of a broader Play Games upgrade last year. The overlay lets players view achievements, get input on a game through Gemini Live, and take screenshots or screen recordings without leaving the game. Both changes are app-side updates delivered through Google's existing release channels, and neither company announcement accompanied the rollouts.