 "Android will now alert you if you’re getting scammed by listening in on your calls")
Google I/O 2024 kicked off with a bang, bringing several exciting revelations about the future of Android smartphones. While the company didn’t spill the beans during the keynote event, on the exact features Android 15 will receive, they did unwrap a bunch of noteworthy new features slated to grace Android devices in the coming months.
In the midst of the buzz of announcements, one standout feature that Google revealed at their annual developer conference was Google’s plan to combat telephone scams with AI. Using their powerful AI tool, Gemini, Google aims to equip Android phones with scam-detection tools capable of thwarting fraudsters in real-time.
The way this works is actually very simple and clever. At the same time, it is a bit concerning.
When Google’s AI detects suspicious language during a phone call, it swiftly triggers an alert on the device, flagging the conversation as a potential scam. Picture a red pop-up window flashing a warning message like, “Likely scam: Banks will never ask you to move your money to keep it safe,” accompanied by options to either end the call or continue cautiously. Think of it like having a digital guardian angel watching over the conversations you have
Now, the idea of Google’s AI listening in on your phone calls does raise a few eyebrows. However, users will have to opt-in for the service to work. Also, Google reassures us that all the nitty-gritty details stay securely on your device and not on Google’s Cloud services. It is an on-device service your privacy stays intact.
Google isn’t the only player in town fighting the good fight against scam calls. Microsoft threw its hat in the ring back in February with Azure Operator Call Protection, a similar feature aimed at mobile carriers and their subscribers.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe sad reality is, that scam calls are a pesky nuisance for phone users everywhere. According to a study by voice security platform Hiya, the average phone receives a whopping 14 spam calls per month. Some scammers even use AI to mimic the voices of famous personalities like Taylor Swift or President Joe Biden.
With the Federal Communications Commission cracking down on illegal robocalls, the timing couldn’t be better for Google to roll out these much-needed scam-detection tools. Plus, these services work in real-time, right on your device, ensuring your privacy remains safeguarded every step of the way.
As for when these game-changing features will hit the streets and which smartphones – presumably Pixels — will get the VIP treatment, well, Google’s keeping mum for now. But one thing’s for sure — the battle against scam calls is heating up.
(With inputs from agencies)
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