Google Expands AI-Powered Scam Detection to Pixel Watch 2 and 3

Pixel Watch 2 and 3 just got a cool new feature, but not everyone can use it

When enabled, the feature will alert Pixel Watch users of scam calls on the go. Google is rolling out an out-of-schedule update to the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3, adding Scam Detection support -- previously exclusive to the Pixel 9 series. If you own one of these watches and have it paired with a Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, or 9 Pro Fold, you'll now receive scam alerts right on your wrist during suspicious calls. The feature flags potential scams by using AI to analyze conversation patterns in real time. When you've enabled Scam Detection on your paired Pixel 9, and it detects a likely scam, your Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 will alert you with a notification, vibration, and sound, letting you decide whether to dismiss the alert or end the call directly from your wrist. However, there are a few catches. The feature is limited to US users for calls in English only, and your watch must be within Bluetooth range of your Pixel 9. LTE connectivity won't trigger scam alerts if the phone isn't nearby. If you're wondering whether in-call Scam Detection is available on your older Pixel, here's the deal: Pixel 6 and newer phones only support Scam Detection in Google Messages, not during phone calls.

Google Pixel Watch can now alert you to scam calls in real time

It means users will get Scam Detection alerts without the need to take their phone out of their pocket Google recently rolled out its AI-powered Scam Detection feature to Pixel phones, and now the feature is coming to the Pixel Watch, bringing alerts directly to your wrist in real-time. From today, Pixel Watch 2 and 3 users will be able to get Scam Detection alerts directly on their wrist, meaning they don't have to take their phone out of their pocket while on a call in order to receive the alerts. Scam Detection uses AI to detect conversation patterns commonly used by scammers as they happen. While it's not 100% accurate, and scammers often switch up their approach, if the AI picks up anything fishy, it'll alert you with a notification, sound, and vibration. Previously, that would work on the Pixel Phone, and now it works on the Watch too. It means you can take calls from unknown numbers directly from your wrist with more confidence, and it is a brilliant extension of this very helpful feature. There are many ways to deal with scam calls, but Google's AI-powered solution is definitely one of the most novel solutions and much more effective than simply choosing to ignore calls or silencing calls from unknown numbers. To get it to work on your wrist, you'll need either a Pixel Watch 2 or 3 connected to a Pixel 9 or later. The two devices will need to be paired via Bluetooth for the feature to work, and Scam Detection only works in the US for calls in English. Scam Detection is turned on via your Pixel Phone's Settings under Scam Detection. Once turned on, you'll hear a beep at the start of the call and intermittently during calls so that you know it's working. The latest Scam Detection addition is another reason the Pixel Watch 3 (and its predecessor) are some of the best Android smartwatches you can buy, especially when paired with a Google phone.

Google Pixel Watch now gives you scam protection right on your wrist

The Google Pixel Watch 2 and 3 are already among the best smartwatches, but now, Google decked them out with another handy feature. Google is adding Scam Detection to its watches, enhancing security without making you pull your phone out of your pocket. We all deal with scam calls on a regular basis, and Google's Scam Detection is just one way tech companies try to combat the nuisance (and safety hazard) of these calls. This tool listens to calls and uses AI to detect conversation patterns that scammers have been known to use. If something sounds shady, Scam Detection will send you a notification accompanied by a sound and vibration. Recommended Videos This feature was previously limited to Pixel Phones, but now, Google is bringing it to the Pixel Watch 2 and 3. This means that you'll be able to safely answer the call on your watch and still benefit from Scam Protection in real time, during the conversation. Of course, the feature isn't entirely accurate and scammer tactics evolve every single day, but it's definitely better than nothing. Of course, the feature isn't available to every single user. You'll need a Pixel 9 phone or later, and it needs to be paired with the Google Pixel Watch 2 or 3, and this will only work if the two devices are paired via Bluetooth. Moreover, Scam Detection is only available in the U.S. during conversations in English. As explained by TechRadar, you can turn on Scam Detection on your Pixel Phone and Watch by heading to the Settings -- it's tucked away under Scam Detection. You'll know the feature is enabled because it'll beep right at the start of the call and every now and then during the conversation. For many, this feature might not be too meaningful, but it saves you having to take your phone out of your pocket when you're not sure about a particular number. Scam Detection or not, it's always important to stay vigilant, as new scams are detected every single week.

Pixel Watch 2 and 3 Get Scam Detection in April Feature Drop

We may earn a commission when you click links to retailers and purchase goods. More info. There is a surprise update rolling out to the Pixel Watch series this month, one we weren't expecting because Google had previously stated that June would be the next update month. However, Google admitted that it needed to address some bugs associated with the Wear OS 5.1 update from March and so that might be what April's is all about. Well, part of it at least. In a fresh community post, Google announced today that Scam Detection is now available on the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 when paired with a Pixel 9. This is essentially an expansion from the phone side of things, with a notification popping up on your wrist if your Pixel 9 detects a possible scam call. Back in March, as a part of the March Pixel Feature Drop, Google expanded Scam Detection with AI to calls on the Pixel 9 series, where it would recognize commonly used phrases by scammers to then notify you in real-time that you should be aware and possibly consider ending the call. For this Pixel Watch Scam Detection, Google is allowing your Pixel Watch 2 or Pixel Watch 3 to receive a notification during those calls to let you know about the possible scam. This could be handy if you answer from the watch, have headphones in, and have not yet pulled your phone out.

Pixel Watch scam detection arrives early with surprise April update - Phandroid

Pixel Watch scam detection is rolling out earlier than expected. Google had initially planned the next update for June, but a few leftover bugs from Wear OS 5.1 changed that. Now, Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 owners are getting a surprise April update -- and it brings a handy new feature. Scam detection, which first landed on Pixel 9 phones back in March, is making its way to your wrist. If you've got a Pixel 9 paired with your watch, you'll get a notification during calls if Google's AI spots something suspicious. The system listens for common scam phrases and alerts you in real-time, which could save you from a shady conversation. According to Google, "This AI-powered feature helps detect conversation patterns commonly used by scammers, right as they happen.* Your Pixel Watch alerts you to a scam mid-call when it receives a Bluetooth signal from your Pixel 9+ Phone. So if you're on the go, you can be alerted to a scam call without needing to take out your phone." On the phone side, Google added this AI-powered scam detection as part of the March Pixel Feature Drop. Now, with Pixel Watch scam detection, you'll get that same alert directly on your watch. This is especially useful if you're taking calls with headphones and haven't picked up your phone yet. To enable it, just head over to your Pixel 9: April's update might not have been planned, but it's a solid bonus for Pixel Watch users. Keep an eye on your wrist.

Google Brings AI-Powered Scam Detection to Pixel Watch 3 and Watch 2

It requires the watch to be connected to Pixel 9 series via Bluetooth Google on Tuesday announced the rollout of a new update for the Pixel Watch 3 and the Watch 2 which brings a new privacy-focussed feature previously limited to Pixel phones. As per the Mountain View-based tech giant, users in the US can now leverage the new Scam Detection feature to receive alerts about potentially scam callers on their supported Pixel Watch when connected to a compatible device, eliminating the need to take out their phone. Google detailed the new Scam Detection feature on the Pixel Watch 3 and the Pixel Watch 2 in a post on its community forum. It is said to leverage on-device artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse and identify patterns which are commonly used by scammers during conversations, flag them, and alert the user mid-call -- all happening in real time. The company says it works when the supported Pixel Watch is connected to a compatible device; the Pixel 9 series. Once turned on, a beep is audible at the start of the call and every few minutes. The feature automatically runs in the background during calls which could turn out to be a scam. If the conversational pattern is deemed to be a scam, it alerts the user via notification, sound, and vibration. Users can dismiss the notification or end the call using the Pixel Watch. However, the company says it does not work in case of direct calls received on LTE models of the smartwatch. The feature was first announced as part of the Pixel March Drop but was limited to the Pixel 9 and newer handsets. With its arrival on the Pixel Watch lineup, Google says it enables users to stay aware of scam callers with just a glance on their wrist, without having to access their phone. On the Pixel 9 series, Scam Detection uses Gemini Nano. However, it leverages on-device machine learning models on older devices. It is currently available on a Pixel Watch 3 or the Watch 2 when connected to a Pixel 9 or newer handset via Bluetooth in the US in English. Google emphasises that while the feature is meant to protect Pixel users against scam callers, it isn't 100 percent accurate as scammers are often prone to change their tactics from time to time. The company advises users to pay heed when answering calls from unknown numbers.

Google Expands Scam Detection to Pixel Watch 3 and 2

One of the standout features of Gemini Nano on Google Pixel is Scam detection. It's a feature where the AI model detects for any cues inside a call that could be a potential scam. Google unveiled it back in Google I/O 2024, and it rolled out to the Pixel phones as part of the March Pixel drop. However, it looks like the Scam Detection feature is now rolling out to Google Pixel Watch 2 and 3. In a new support page that was published recently, Google has acknowledged the availability of Scam Detection on Pixel Watches. The feature is rolling out to Pixel Watch 2 and 3 starting today, and you can start using Scam Detection, if you have a Pixel 9. It's also worth mentioning that Scam Detection on Pixel Watches is only available in the US and in English language. Since Pixel Watches don't boast the hardware capable of running the models onboard. So, you need to be connected to your Pixel phone to use the feature. This is regardless of if you have an LTE or WI-Fi-only variant. That said, it's a bummer that the feature availability doesn't start with Pixel 8 considering it also supports Gemini Nano's Scam Detection. We hope Google expands the support soon. To ensure the feature is working, all you need to do is open the Phone app and head over to Settings > Scam Detection. All you need to do is turn on Scam Detection and the feature should start working on your watch. To know if it's actually working, you should hear an audible beep at the start and every few minutes. Google also recently rolled out a hotfix update for Pixel Watch 2 and 3, fixing Notification delays and random restarts. Besides, there also seems to be a mysterious Gemini icon appearing during calls, suggesting Pixel Watches could soon get Gemini and/or more AI capabilities. What are your thoughts on Pixel Watches? Let us know in the comments below.