Google has a new feature for pixel phone users. It's called the call screen, and it's designed to help you better understand who is calling and why.
You can take better control over who calls you, too, since this feature lets you report calls as spam. Google is actually pitching the call screen as a way to avoid spam calls so you don't have to talk to the teleshop. It's in the same wheelhouse as Google Duplex, an AI-powered feature that allows the Google Assistant to call restaurants and make an appointment on your behalf with a natural-sounding voice.
Here's what you need to know about the call screen. We detail how it works, what it requires, and when you can start using it.
What is the Google call screen?
The call screen is a feature that allows you to see who is calling and why before you even answer the call. And it's all powered by Google AI (Google Assistant). Google said the call screen happens on your device and doesn't use Wi-Fi or mobile data. It really uses new, on the device to work quickly and offline. Thus, he conducts a separate conversation - between you and the person who is calling.
In addition, the caller will be told from the start that you are using the screening service to transcribe the call for you.
How Google call screen work?
Say that you are for dinner and the call goes through the phone. It could be something important, or it could be spam calls, as if someone or something is offering you a "free trip to Spain". In any case, when you see a call pop up on your phone, press the call screen button. The Google Assistant can then answer the call for you, ask who is calling and why, and record the conversation in real time.
With the transcript displayed on your screen, you will be able to read along, decide to pick up, ask for more information, send a quick reply, or call a sign as spam. Again, this all happens on your device and is powered by Google AI technology behind the scenes. Audio and transcript from your verified calls are private, too. Google said they won't be sent to anyone "without your permission."
How to turn on and use the call screen
Pixel devices
Make sure you are using latest version on the phone app. (See Update? Touch it.)
- Open phone app.
- Go to more > settings > spam and call screen.
- Make sure that see anti-spam code included.
- Tap Call Screen.
- In chapter "unknown call settings”, click on the callers you want screen.
- On the screen automatically, select: automatically screen. Automatic dialing decline.
- Or, you can choose from: ring phone; or descend silently.
- To save audio from selected calls (4 pixels only), turn on save call screen audio.
- Here it is! Now when someone calls, just click on call screen.
- The Google Assistant will help you screen call and speak on your behalf.
- You will see the transcript in real time as the caller responds.
- You can answer or end a call at any time.
Note: If you don't see the call screen in the Phone settings app, it's not available yet. For more on how the call screen works, see Google Support.
Optional responses or actions
When you click on call screen and the caller answers, you can select a suggested response or action.
Here are some answers and what the caller will hear:
This is urgent?
- “Do you have to take them urgently?”
Report as spam
- “Please remove this number from your mailing list and contact list. Thank you and goodbye".
I will call you back
- “They can't talk now, but they'll call you later. Thank you and goodbye".
I can not understand
- “It's hard to understand you at the moment. Could you repeat what you said?”
When Google called the screen will be available?
The call screen launched in October 2018, but only for 3px or 3XL pixel size owners. Google said it will come in the entire pixel family - pixel, pixel XL, pixel 2 and pixel 2 XL. In February 2020, the feature was for all pixel phones, including even original devices.