Google Introduces Live Scam Detection on Pixel Phones

After showcasing it at Google I/O 2024, Google is now rolling out real-time Scam Detection for phone calls on Pixel devices, starting from Pixel 6 up to the latest Pixel 9 series. This feature aims to protect users from fraudulent calls by analyzing conversation patterns that are typically associated with scams.

How Scam Detection Works

Scam Detection listens for specific conversation cues, such as urgent requests for money or suspicious account activities, that are often found in scam calls. If such patterns are detected, the phone will alert the user with an audio and haptic notification. Users will see a “Likely scam” warning on their screen, along with an option to “End call” or mark it as “Not a scam.”

For example, if a caller pretends to be from your bank and urgently asks you to transfer funds, Scam Detection analyzes the conversation and alerts you if it finds the call suspicious. On the Pixel 9 series, this feature is powered by Gemini Nano, Google’s advanced AI model. For Pixel 6, 7, and 8a devices, other robust on-device machine learning models handle the detection.

Privacy and User Control

Google has emphasized user privacy in implementing this feature. No audio or transcripts of the call are stored on the device or sent to Google servers. The Scam Detection feature is off by default, and users need to enable it manually via the Google Phone app settings. Users can also turn it off during specific calls if needed.

To enable this feature, users can navigate to Google Phone App Settings > Scam Detection. It is currently available for English-speaking users in the U.S. who are part of the Google Phone app’s public beta program.

For feedback on this feature, users can go to Phone by Google App > Menu > Help & Feedback > Send Feedback.

Google Play Protect’s Live Threat Detection

In addition to Scam Detection, Google is enhancing its security measures with Google Play Protect’s Live Threat Detection. This feature provides real-time alerts if it detects harmful apps on your device. Initially, it focuses on identifying stalkerware — software that secretly collects personal data without user consent. Over time, Google plans to expand this protection to include other types of malicious apps.

This new threat detection system analyzes actual behavior patterns of apps, even those that try to hide their malicious activities or lie dormant before activating suspicious behaviors. It is currently available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, powered by Google’s Private Compute Core, and will soon expand to other phone manufacturers.

Google Tests New Link Color in Search

In another update, Google is experimenting with a new color scheme for links in Google Search. For years, Google’s search links have been blue, but now some users are noticing the links appearing in an orange-brown color. This change has been observed in both the Google Search app and Chrome browser, indicating it is a test rather than a full release.

Possible Reasons for the Change

Google has been making several visual updates across its platforms, especially with the integration of Material You design, which brings dynamic theming to Android apps. However, this new orange link color seems unrelated to Material You, as it appears on both Android and iOS devices, particularly in dark mode.

Some users speculate that the new color is an attempt to create a more eye-friendly experience, especially for those using dark mode, as the orange hue is softer on the eyes compared to the traditional blue.

If you prefer the classic blue links, you may be able to revert to them by switching to light mode or signing out of your Google account. However, since this is an experimental feature, there is no guaranteed way to change it back until Google decides whether to roll out the new color scheme fully.

Conclusion

Google continues to enhance the user experience on its devices with these new features. The real-time Scam Detection offers a proactive approach to call security, protecting users from potential scams using on-device AI, without compromising privacy. Meanwhile, the new link color test in Google Search shows Google’s ongoing efforts to improve the visual design and user comfort.

As Google expands these features and tests new updates, users can look forward to an improved, safer, and visually appealing experience on their Pixel devices and across Google’s services.