Upcoming Pixel update may enable immediate scam alerts and call screening features.

Scam calls frequently arrive with questionable requests, like clicking on dubious links or installing random applications. In response to these tactics, Google rolled out smart call protections earlier this year. These features can identify suspicious activity during calls, particularly when speaking to unfamiliar numbers. However, users must access their settings to activate them, which means many may not even realize these protective measures are available, let alone utilize them.

To streamline this process, Google might soon guide users through the Scam Detection and Call Screening features during the setup of their Pixel devices. This would enable users to benefit from enhanced security from the very first day they use their phone. Currently, both Scam Detection, which monitors calls for shady behavior, and Call Screen, which identifies dubious callers before you answer, are not automatically enabled. This creates a barrier for users who might unknowingly miss out on these important protections.

Recent findings from Android Authority suggest that Google is preparing to integrate these features into the initial setup process. Evidence found in the beta version of the Google Phone app reveals options for Scam Detection, Call Screening, and Spam Protection that users may activate right from the start. By incorporating these options into the onboarding flow, Google aims to encourage more users to take advantage of these tools, enhancing security against scam calls and unsolicited interruptions from the outset. On Pixel devices, Scam Detection utilizes the advanced Gemini Nano AI technology, allowing for real-time monitoring of conversations.

If something suspicious occurs, users receive an immediate alert, affording them the chance to end the call before it escalates. While newer Pixel models benefit from more sophisticated technology, older versions still offer similar protections through earlier machine learning techniques. It’s important to note that these features will remain exclusive to Pixel devices, meaning they won’t be available on all Android phones, even if they become easier to access during the setup process.