I understand many apps are closely tied to Google, but I don't agree with it being a "Google Phone". As for why I want a separate app, I don't want personal contact information on Google servers. Working in the security field, I'm more paranoid than most people. I don't mind stores, restaurants, etc being shared but not friends, family, etc. Google's had issues in the past with docs, email, etc. I prefer the safer route to keep my contacts on a separate app where the file can be copied from the SD card to some backup media of my own (HD, ext HD, thumbdrive, etc).