scam detection

AppWizard
March 13, 2025
Google is addressing user concerns regarding media transmission issues in RCS chats within the Messages app by implementing updates to enhance media reception performance. The updates aim to improve the "receiving performance" of media texts. Additionally, Google has introduced enhanced scam detection measures for Pixel devices, utilizing AI technology to identify and flag potential scams in the Messages and Phone apps, providing real-time alerts for suspicious messages. There is also anticipation for Google's promised 911 RCS texting capabilities, which would allow users to text emergency services and send images and videos, although the timeline for this feature remains uncertain.
AppWizard
March 5, 2025
In March 2025, Google began rolling out a security update for eligible Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series to Pixel 9, Pixel Fold, 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel Tablet. The update versions are BP1A.250305.019 for Pixel 6, 7, 8, and Fold, and BP1A.250305.020 for Pixel 9 series and Tablet. The update addresses various issues, enhancing display stability and performance, and includes fixes for camera and WebView stability. An audio issue with Bluetooth call volume is resolved, except for the Pixel 6 series. The changelog includes fixes for launcher theme misalignment, transparent home screen icons, app-switching issues with third-party launchers, and themed icon display problems. The update also introduces nine high-severity framework fixes and 21 system fixes for security, including two notable vulnerabilities. The rollout started on March 4, following a Pixel feature drop that added functionalities like Loss of Pulse detection and scam detection alerts.
AppWizard
March 5, 2025
Google's latest Pixel Drop update enhances the Pixel series with new features, including expanded satellite messaging capabilities for the Pixel 9 series, which now supports users in Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and parts of Europe. This feature allows users to connect to compatible satellite networks for emergency assistance when cellular service is unavailable. The update will also support Verizon and T-Mobile for satellite messaging. Additionally, the Pixel 9 family introduces a video recording feature that enables simultaneous recording from multiple angles using another Pixel device or a compatible GoPro camera. The AI-powered scam detection feature will be available on all currently supported Android devices, allowing Google Messages app users to identify potential scam texts, while comprehensive phone call scam alerts will remain exclusive to the Pixel 9 series.
AppWizard
March 5, 2025
Google Messages has introduced several new features for Android and Pixel users, focusing on user safety and connectivity. Key updates include an AI-driven scam detection tool that analyzes SMS, MMS, and RCS messages in real time to identify potential scams, alerting users to suspicious messages. This feature is initially available in English in the US, UK, and Canada, and it prioritizes user privacy by processing data on the device. Users can also share their live location with trusted contacts through a new feature integrated with the Find My Device app, which allows for real-time location sharing while maintaining control over who can access this information. Additionally, exclusive features for the Pixel 9 model include enhanced connectivity options for linking GoPro cameras and other Pixel phones, as well as upgrades to the Pixel Studio app for creating stylized images and stickers.
AppWizard
March 5, 2025
Google has announced the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop alongside Android 15 QPR2, which includes various enhancements for first-party applications, camera functionalities, and connectivity options. The update features Gemini Live powered by Gemini 2.0 Flash, enabling multilingual conversations in over 45 languages. The Pixel 6+ introduces Talk Live for discussions about images and videos, while the Pixel 9 series gains a "Connected Camera" feature for livestreaming with GoPro HERO10 Black or newer devices. The Pixel Fold series adds Dual Screen mode for video recording. The Satellite SOS service is now available in Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the UK, and Europe for Pixel 9 users, allowing emergency contact without cellular coverage. T-Mobile and Verizon users can utilize carrier satellite messaging for emergency calls and texts. The Pixel Studio app on the Pixel 9 series can now generate images of people, and Pixel Screenshots will suggest items for Collections. Japanese users gain access to Pixel Screenshots, Studio, AI summaries, and weather reports, while German users receive similar enhancements. The Phone by Google app introduces real-time Scam Detection, and Google Messages will show scam alerts in conversations. The Gboard Voice Toolbar is now available on phones.
AppWizard
February 27, 2025
Google is introducing Scam Detection features for the Phone app on Pixel devices, powered by Gemini Nano, with a rollout anticipated for March 2025. A beta phase began in November, allowing users to test the Scam Detection capabilities, which include background monitoring of incoming calls and warning notifications for potential scams. Users will receive a red pop-up notification stating "likely scam" if a potential threat is detected, with options to end the call or report it as not a scam. The feature will be disabled by default to prioritize user privacy, but can be enabled in the app's settings. Additionally, the Messages app has been testing alerts for hazardous links since October. This update may coincide with the feature drop for Android 15 in March 2025, with ongoing testing for Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 and plans for an early Android 16 update in the second quarter of 2025.
AppWizard
February 20, 2025
Google is enhancing its Pixel Call Assist feature to help manage spam calls, introducing five new filters in the Phone app: All, Missed, Contacts, Non-Spam, and Spam. These updates are rolling out on the new Pixel 9 series, which also features a redesigned user interface with a dedicated Call Assist button. Additional features include Live Caption for accessibility, allowing users to read spoken dialogue and type responses during calls, and Call Screen, which uses AI to handle incoming calls and transcribe spoken content. Google previously launched an Audio Emoji update and has initiated a beta program for real-time scam detection, which alerts users to potential scams with a red pop-up notification.
Winsage
December 21, 2024
The FBI has warned of a rise in email attacks, particularly with the holiday season approaching, highlighting increased risks from sophisticated phishing emails and malicious websites enhanced by AI tools. Microsoft is promoting its Edge browser as a safer alternative for Windows users, with plans for pop-up notifications encouraging users to set Edge as their default browser. Despite a slight increase in Edge's market share, it still significantly lags behind Google Chrome. The Department of Justice may pursue actions against Google that could impact Chrome, while Microsoft continues to use security as a key reason for promoting Edge. Users are experiencing pop-up campaigns with confusing options regarding Edge, and while Edge has security advantages, Google is improving its own features. Microsoft may find more success in promoting Edge within the enterprise sector.
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