What you need to know
- Android is finally adding call context, allowing callers to specify the reason for their call, including marking it as urgent.
- The feature, dubbed Expressive Calling, is currently live in the Phone by Google beta, marking a significant first for the Android platform.
- Urgent calls will display a prominent “It’s urgent!” message accompanied by an animated siren, and will remain labeled in the call log if missed.
In a notable enhancement to the calling experience, Google is introducing a new feature within the Phone by Google app that empowers users to communicate the purpose of their calls, including the ability to designate a call as urgent. This innovative capability, known as Expressive Calling, is currently available to select beta testers, marking a significant advancement for Android users.
Previously, Android users relied on rudimentary methods such as “Starred Contacts” or repeated caller settings to manage unwanted calls. These approaches often lacked nuance. With Expressive Calling, Google aims to refine this experience. When initiating a call, users will now have the option to indicate its urgency. If marked urgent, the recipient will receive an eye-catching notification that reads “It’s urgent!” along with an animated siren emoji. Should the call go unanswered, the urgent designation will persist in the call log, ensuring that the nature of the call is clear.
This feature aligns with a broader initiative Google has been exploring, known as Call Reason. By providing context to calls, the experience transforms from mere interruptions to more meaningful interactions. This is particularly beneficial for users who have their Do Not Disturb mode activated. Depending on individual settings, an urgent call may either bypass Do Not Disturb or be received quietly, yet still marked as significant.
The introduction of Expressive Calling offers users greater flexibility, eliminating the need for permanent whitelisting of contacts for potential emergencies. However, it is important to note that this feature is not universally accessible at this time. Both the caller and recipient must be utilizing the Phone app beta for it to function, which currently limits its availability as Google continues to refine the feature ahead of a wider rollout.
While the potential for misuse of the urgent label exists—where frequent misuse could dilute its significance—Google appears to be aware of this risk. The gradual release and user controls suggest a thoughtful approach to this new capability, aiming to enhance communication without compromising its integrity.
