Enhanced security features in Google Messages: spam protection and sensitive content warnings
Google is enhancing safety features within its Messages app by introducing new protections, including “Sensitive Content Warnings” for images containing nudity. This builds upon existing safety measures that currently help Android users block over 2 billion suspicious messages each month.
One of the key updates is the introduction of “enhanced scam detection.” This feature helps users identify scam texts that may initially seem harmless but can eventually lead to fraud. Using an on-device machine learning model, the system will automatically flag these messages, moving them into the spam folder or issuing a warning. This enhancement aims to offer better protection against scams that typically arise from package delivery notifications or job-related messages. The update will first be available to users who are part of the Messages beta program and who have already enabled spam protection settings.
Google is also working to counter more complex messaging threats, particularly those that involve attempts to impersonate trusted contacts. To address this, Google is creating a unified public key verification system for messaging apps. Users will be able to verify a contact’s identity through QR code scanning or by comparing phone numbers, ensuring that they are messaging the correct individual. This feature is expected to launch next year for devices running Android 9 or higher.
Furthermore, Google is expanding protections to alert users when they receive suspicious links from unknown senders. The Messages app will display warnings for such links, and this capability will be rolled out globally by the end of this year. After successfully piloting these dangerous link warnings in countries like India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, Google is now preparing for a wider launch. In addition, the app will block messages containing links from international senders who are not on a user’s contact list, starting with a trial in Singapore.
Another critical update is the introduction of “Sensitive Content Warnings” for images received through Google Messages. This feature uses on-device processing to automatically detect and blur images containing nudity before they are displayed. It will also include a “speed bump” warning to remind users of the risks before they send or forward explicit content, aiming to prevent accidental or inappropriate sharing.
Importantly, Google emphasizes that these warnings are processed entirely on the user’s device, meaning that Google cannot view the images or confirm whether they contain nudity. Adults will need to opt-in for this feature through Android Settings, while users under 18 will have the option enabled by default but can opt out if desired. The rollout of Sensitive Content Warnings will occur over the coming months and will be available for Android 9+ devices, including Android Go.
In summary, these enhancements in Google Messages reflect the company’s focus on improving user safety by addressing scam detection, preventing the misuse of explicit content, and increasing protection against suspicious links. The updates are designed to make communication safer and more secure for all users.
Google Wallet can now store digital versions of your US passport! This can be used for domestic travel security checks at TSA checkpoints if your state doesn’t offer a digital ID yet.
Here’s how to add your passport to Google Wallet:
- Open the Google Wallet app on your Android phone (version 9 or later).
- Tap “Add to Wallet” and then “ID” followed by “ID Pass.”
- Follow the steps to scan your passport information page and the security chip inside the back cover.
- Record a short video of yourself for verification.
Important things to remember:
- This digital passport isn’t a replacement for your physical passport, so always carry both when traveling.
- It currently only works for domestic travel within the US.
- If you lose your phone, you can remove the digital passport from your Google account.
Pixel phones get new features to improve battery health!
The latest update lets you set a charging limit of 80% to slow down battery degradation. There’s also a hidden feature called “bypass charging” that might be even more helpful.
What is bypass charging?
With bypass charging, when your battery reaches 80%, your phone will continue to use power directly from the charger instead of the battery. This reduces wear and tear on the battery, especially while gaming or using demanding apps.
Is bypass charging available on all Pixel phones?
It’s not entirely clear yet. The 80% charging limit works on many Pixel models, but bypass charging has only been confirmed on the Pixel 8 Pro so far. It likely works on Pixel 8, 8a, and the Pixel 9 series too, but Google hasn’t officially confirmed this.
Pixel Screenshots get smarter!
The latest update for Pixel Screenshots on Pixel 9 phones integrates with Gboard. Now, when you take a screenshot that includes a movie, song, or product, Pixel Screenshots remembers that information.
How does this help?
For example, if you screenshot a song title and then open a music app, Gboard might autofill the song name for you. This feature is called “proactive recall.”
Other Pixel Screenshots updates:
- The image viewer now suggests more search terms based on your screenshots.
- The app automatically categorizes your screenshots (this might take some time).
- You can easily save a specific part of a screenshot with “Circle to Search.”
This update also brings new features to Gboard, including a sticker pack and the ability to browse Emoji Kitchen combinations.
Gemini Gets a Mini Makeover:
- The website’s text field now looks like the mobile app.
- The Android app now shows your Gemini model type (like “1.5 Pro”).
40 New Templates for Google Docs:
- Google Docs has added new, modern templates for various uses like business proposals or meeting notes.
- These templates are designed to save you time by providing a starting point for your document.
- You can find them by going to File > New > From template gallery.
Customize Your Google Messages Profile:
- Google Messages now lets you easily edit your profile information, including name and picture.
- This helps people you message recognize you better.
More to Come:
- Google says to expect even more new Docs templates in the future.
- Google Messages’ profile feature is rolling out to everyone soon.
Some Pixel users who have updated to Android 15 QPR1 have noticed a strange visual bug. The update seems to be mixing up the light and dark themes for app icons.
For example, if your phone is set to light mode, you might see app icons appear in their dark mode versions. Conversely, if your phone is in dark mode, you might see light mode app icons. This can make the phone’s interface look inconsistent and a bit jarring.
This issue is particularly noticeable with themed icons, which are designed to match the system’s color scheme. However, due to this bug, they appear in the opposite color scheme, creating a visual mismatch.
While this is a minor bug, it can be quite annoying for users who prefer a consistent look and feel on their devices. Fortunately, Google is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. It’s likely that this bug will be addressed in a future update.
In the meantime, users will have to wait patiently for a resolution. While there’s no official workaround at the moment, some users have reported that switching between different accent colors and then reverting back to the original color scheme might temporarily fix the issue. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and may vary depending on the device and Android version.
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