Finally, Google's call answering feature comes to original Pixels
After a long wait, original Pixel phone users are finally getting Google's Call Screen feature. The capability, which debuted with Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, allows the user to screen a call and let Google Assistant answer on their behalf. It opens a whole new way to deal with annoying callers, including spammers, and can now be accessed right away. Here's how.
Roll-out confirmed via Reddit
Ever since Call Screen debuted, we know it was coming to the original Pixels, but the timeline was not exactly clear. Now, a Reddit thread has indicated that a number of Pixel and Pixel XL users have started receiving the feature. Google has still not made an official announcement, but the capability appears to be working just as it is supposed to.
Google Assistant answers on your behalf, just like a secretary
With the new feature, you'll get a 'Call Screen' option alongside regular answer/deny options. Once you select it, the call will be answered and Assistant will speak on your behalf, asking the caller's name and their reason for calling. You'll get a real-time transcript of this conversation with pre-defined options to know more, to answer/ignore the call or to mark it as spam.
What the caller will hear on the other side?
When the feature is used, the caller will hear a robotic voice similar to that of Google Assistant. The Assistant would first inform that the call is being screened and the recipient would be getting a live transcript of the conservation. It is worth noting here that the responses heard would be user-selected and not anything like Google Duplex.
So, how to get call screen feature?
If you're using an original Pixel phone and the feature isn't available on your device, try updating the Google Phone app from Play Store. After updating, head to the Settings of the app and look for 'Call Screen' option in the list. If it's present, you have got call screening capabilities, but if it's not, you might have to wait a bit longer.
