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

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

Google is 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 may be coming to Pixel phones Suggesting another spam deterrent.

Earlier this year, Google announced Gemini, an AI-powered alert system that detects scam calls on the fly. When spam is detected, the phone sends an alert. This feature is not available on Android 15, and it is not known when it will actually be available on the handset.

According to the code breakdown, the fraud detection tool, codenamed “Sharpie,” is almost ready.

Interestingly, the code makes a distinction between fraud and spam. Currently, the focus is only on spam, but it appears that the tool will be very specific about the difference in the future.

Additionally, a feature within the Sharpie tool allows Pixel owners to manually report calls; the Gemini Nano AI will determine if the call is legitimate, but people can flag it for those who slip through.

Some AI tools, like Gemini and ChatGPT, are done in the cloud, but this AI functionality appears to be done entirely on the device, which could save power and be more efficient.

As for privacy and security concerns, the tool is supposed to eavesdrop on all calls. The system is supposed to opt-in each time it arrives, which is a bit of a red flag.

Also, this feature is only available on devices that can run Gemini Nano, currently only the Pixel 8 series and Samsung's Galaxy S24 lineup.

Another feature that has been slow to roll out is the new Lookup button. When you receive a call from a random unknown number, you can tap the “Lookup” button to find out the origin of the number. It will tell you that it is a vendor trying to contact you, highlight that they are a spammer, or tell you what they have been up to.

Again, it is unclear when this tool will appear on Pixel devices. If it is as close to ready as the code breakdown makes it seem, then perhaps we will see it launch in the Pixel 9 lineup in a few weeks.

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