Google Phone App Set to Enhance Scam Detection with AI-Powered Features

Google Phone app to get smarter, to get scam detection feature soon - Times of India

Google is set to significantly bolster its Phone app with a powerful new weapon against scam calls. An APK teardown has revealed that the tech giant is developing an AI-powered scam detection feature that could be rolled out soon. According to a report by Android Authority, Codenamed "Sharpie," the upcoming feature is expected to leverage Gemini Nano AI to differentiate between spam and scam calls with unprecedented accuracy.Unlike its current spam detection, which primarily relies on user reports and blacklists, the new system will analyse call patterns, voice characteristics, and other factors in real-time to identify potential scams. Users can expect to receive alerts during suspicious calls, allowing them to take appropriate action. The feature is also likely to include an option for users to manually report scam calls, helping Google refine its AI model. While the exact timeline for the feature's release remains uncertain, its imminent arrival is a promising development for Android users frustrated by the relentless barrage of scam calls. If successful, Google's AI-powered scam detection could set a new standard for call protection on smartphones. The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk's news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity.

Google Pixel phones may soon shield spam calls with AI -- thanks to Gemini Nano

Google has been steadily rolling out new features and tools to combat the increasingly absurd number of spam calls we receive. A new tool shared by Android Authority in the Google Phone app code hints at another spam deterrent that might be coming to Pixel phones. Earlier this year, Google announced the Gemini AI-powered alert system that will detect scam calls as they are happening. If spam is detected, your phone will send an alert. The feature isn't launching with Android 15, so we're not sure when it will actually arrive on devices. According to the code breakdown, the scam detection tool, codenamed "Sharpie," is nearly ready to go. Interestingly, in the code, there is a delineation between scams and spam. The current focus is only on spam, but it appears the tool will be very specific about the difference in the future. Additionally, a feature within the Sharpie tool enables Pixel owners to report calls manually. The Gemini Nano AI will decide if a call is legit, but people can flag it for those who slip through. While there are AI tools like Gemini or ChatGPT that take place on the cloud, it appears this AI feature will be all on device, which saves power and can be more efficient. For privacy and security concerns, the tool is supposed to listen to every call, which is concerning. The system is supposed to be opt-in whenever it arrives, which is a bit of a red flag. Also, this feature will only be available if your device can run Gemini Nano, which is currently just the Pixel 8 series and the Samsung Galaxy S24 lineup. Another feature that has been slow to roll out is the new Lookup button. Now, when a random unidentified number calls, you can tap the Lookup button, and it will look up the source of the phone number. It could tell you that it's a contractor trying to reach you or highlight a spammer and what they've been up to. Again, it's unclear when this tool will debut on Pixel devices. If it's as close to ready as the code breakdown makes it seem, perhaps we'll see it launch with the Pixel 9 lineup in a couple of weeks.