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.

Google is tackling some challenges with its Android 15 update, particularly issues surrounding the Private Space feature when used with Wear OS. Additionally, the recent Android Auto 13.3 update hints at upcoming radio station integration and improvements in media control.

Android 15’s Private Space Issues with Wear OS

Android 15’s Private Space is designed to separate and secure specific apps and data on your device. However, Google has identified several issues when users pair their Android phones with Wear OS smartwatches. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Notification Problems:
   • Normally, notifications from Private Space apps should not appear on your smartwatch. Google specifies that media controls for these apps should also be inaccessible on Wear OS devices.
   • However, on certain devices from OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), users are noticing that notifications from Private Space apps are still appearing on their smartwatches when the Private Space is unlocked on their phones. These notifications may show a work profile icon, causing confusion.
2. Work Profile Mix-Up:
   • Some users may see a work profile tab in the Wear OS app even if they don’t have a work profile enabled on their phone but have Private Space set up. The work profile feature, typically used by businesses to separate personal and work data, is similar to Private Space but not interchangeable, leading to potential confusion.
3. Google’s Response:
   • Google acknowledges these issues in their support documents but hasn’t provided a specific timeline for fixes. Users can expect that future updates to Android and Wear OS will address these glitches, ensuring a more seamless experience with Private Space.

Android Auto 13.3 Update: New Radio Station Integration

Google is also making significant updates to Android Auto, focusing on enhancing the in-car media experience. The latest Android Auto 13.3 beta hints at new features, particularly related to radio stations and media controls.

APK Insight: What We Found

Google’s APK Insight reveals lines of code suggesting potential upcoming features. By decompiling the latest Android Auto APK, tech enthusiasts have spotted preparations for a Car Media app designed to improve the local media experience, including new radio station categories.

1. Expansion of Media Controls:
   • Google has been working to integrate local media sources into Android Auto, possibly allowing users to access stored music files alongside live radio options. The Android Auto 13.3 update contains code references to various music genres and radio station categories, including:
     • Classic Rock
     • Jazz
     • Hip Hop
     • News
     • Sports
     • Country Music
     • Educational Programs
     • Talk Shows
     • Weather Updates
   • These genres might be part of a new radio feature in the Car Media app, which would allow users to browse radio stations by genre, making it easier to find content tailored to their preferences.
2. Preparation for Local Media Integration:
   • The current Android Auto interface already supports streaming apps like Spotify and YouTube Music. However, the new feature hints at deeper integration with local vehicle infotainment systems, enabling access to traditional radio stations.
   • This update aligns with Google’s recent initiatives to integrate more with vehicle systems. For example, in collaboration with Ford, Google has launched new features for electric vehicles (EVs), providing real-time battery information and using this data in Google Maps.

What to Expect Next?

While the exact launch date for these new features remains uncertain, ongoing updates indicate that Google is steadily working towards rolling out enhanced media controls and fixing current issues. Here’s a quick overview of what’s coming:

• Fixes for Wear OS and Private Space: Expect updates that will resolve notification mishandling and improve the separation of Private Space and Work Profile features on connected smartwatches.
• Enhanced Media Experience in Android Auto: Users can look forward to a richer in-car media experience with better access to local radio stations and possibly stored music. Google’s focus seems to be on making Android Auto a more comprehensive infotainment platform, aligning with industry trends of deeper car system integration.

Conclusion

Google is actively addressing known bugs in Android 15’s Private Space and is laying the groundwork for an improved media experience in Android Auto. These updates showcase Google’s commitment to refining its ecosystem, ensuring a smooth user experience across devices, and enhancing features in response to user feedback. As more updates roll out, expect a more polished experience on both Wear OS devices and Android Auto, making your digital ecosystem more interconnected and intuitive.

Keep an eye on future updates from Google to enjoy these enhancements as they become available.

Google is rolling out two new Android apps to boost safety in its messaging services. The Android System Key Verifier helps users confirm they are chatting with the right person, while the Android System SafetyCore introduces Sensitive Content Warnings to prevent exposure to inappropriate images. These updates are part of Google’s ongoing effort to improve user safety and privacy, especially in an era of increasing online scams and risks.

Android System Key Verifier: Verifying Contacts with Encryption Keys

When chatting online, it’s often challenging to confirm if the person on the other end is really who they claim to be. Online account hijacking is a common scam tactic, so Google’s new Android System Key Verifier app aims to solve this by letting users verify their contacts through end-to-end encryption keys.

How It Works:

• The app, compatible with Android 10 and above, offers a service that lets messaging apps store and share encryption keys safely.
• It utilizes a QR code system for sharing and verifying keys. Users generate a QR code containing their encryption key, which their contacts can scan. This establishes a secure link between the devices.
• If you suspect that the person you’re chatting with isn’t the original contact, you can request them to verify their encryption key. If the keys don’t match, it indicates the possibility of a different device being used.

Key Features:

1. End-to-End Encryption: The service allows secure storage and exchange of encryption keys within messaging apps like Google Messages.
2. Verification UI: The app provides a simple user interface for scanning and sharing QR codes, making the verification process easy and quick.
3. Contact Safety: If a contact changes devices, they need to rescan your QR code to re-verify their identity.

This feature resembles Apple’s Contact Key Verification introduced in iOS 17.2, where users receive alerts if an unrecognized device is added to a contact. It’s a proactive way to maintain contact safety across messaging apps.

Future of Android System Key Verifier

Currently, no apps are fully utilizing this service, but Google has hinted that its Messages app will support this verification feature in the near future. The rollout is expected to support Android devices running version 9 and above, although the app itself requires at least Android 10. This discrepancy could be due to ongoing updates or compatibility issues, which may be resolved before the official launch.

Android System SafetyCore: Protecting Users from Inappropriate Content

In addition to contact verification, Google is introducing a Sensitive Content Warning feature to help users avoid inappropriate images. This feature will be managed by a separate app called Android System SafetyCore.

How It Works:

• When an image with potential nudity is detected, it gets automatically blurred. The user is then shown a “speed bump” warning, offering options to view the image or seek resources for further help.
• If a user tries to send a potentially inappropriate image, they receive a similar warning prompt, encouraging them to reconsider before sending.
• The feature is entirely on-device, meaning it works without sending data to Google servers, preserving user privacy.

Parental Controls and Minor Safety:

• For users under 18, the feature is turned on by default but can be disabled for adults who opt out.
• The goal is to give parents more control over their children’s online activities without blocking access to essential messaging functions.

What is Android System SafetyCore?

Android System SafetyCore acts as an on-device safety infrastructure, providing protection for sensitive content across various apps. It ensures user privacy by analyzing images directly on the device, without transmitting data over the internet.

Expanding to Other Platforms:

• Google plans to extend SafetyCore to Google TV and potentially other platforms, offering a broader set of safety features beyond just messaging.

Broader Implications and Future Updates

These new features are part of Google’s broader cybersecurity strategy. By enhancing message security and privacy, Google aims to reduce online scams and improve user trust in its ecosystem.

The Android System Key Verifier and SafetyCore apps are not limited to Google Messages. They could potentially be integrated into third-party messaging apps, giving users across different platforms access to these safety features.

Expected Rollout:

• Both apps are expected to be rolled out widely in the coming months. Users should keep their Android devices updated to benefit from these new features as soon as they become available.

Conclusion

Google’s introduction of Android System Key Verifier and Android System SafetyCore marks a significant step forward in enhancing user safety on Android devices. These features offer a more secure way to verify contacts and protect against exposure to inappropriate content, making online communication safer for everyone, especially minors.

As these updates become available, we can expect more messaging apps to adopt similar technologies, setting a new standard for privacy and security in digital communications. Stay tuned for more updates as these features officially roll out to Android users worldwide.