What you need to know
Google has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing user security with the introduction of its Scam Detection features for the Phone app on Pixel devices. This innovative functionality is powered by Gemini Nano, which facilitates continuous background monitoring to identify potential threats.
- The rollout of these features is anticipated for March 2025, specifically targeting the Phone and Messages applications on Pixel devices.
- In November, Google initiated a beta phase for the Phone app, allowing users to experience the Scam Detection capabilities firsthand, complete with warning notifications.
As Google prepares to launch its scam detection features for all stable Pixel phones, the company has shared insights through a recent blog post on its Store page, as reported by 9to5Google. The post highlights several Gemini Nano-supported features that Pixel 9 series users can currently access. However, the much-anticipated scam detection functionality for the Phone app has yet to be fully unveiled.
During the beta testing phase, which began in November, users were introduced to the Scam Detection toggle within the Phone app. This feature operates seamlessly in the background, continuously scanning incoming calls for any signs of malicious intent. Testers were informed that when Scam Detection is active, a periodic beep will sound, indicating that the system is actively monitoring calls.
Should the AI detect a potential scam, users will receive a prominent red pop-up notification stating “likely scam.” At this point, users have the option to either tap “End Call” or select “Not a Scam” if they believe the AI has misidentified the call.
Similar to the beta version, the official rollout will have Scam Detection disabled by default to prioritize user privacy. However, users will have the flexibility to enable or disable this feature at their discretion within the app’s settings. Additionally, the Messages app has been undergoing testing since October, with users receiving alerts about potentially hazardous links and other risks.
It is important to note that this update may coincide with Google’s anticipated feature drop for Android 15 in March 2025. The company has already begun work on Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1, which started in November following the completion of the December 2024 updates. Speculation suggests that this upcoming update is being prepared for a March 2025 release, with testing expected to continue through the first quarter of the year. This update is likely to precede Google’s early Android 16 update slated for the second quarter of 2025.
