Don't want to answer calls? Google has the perfect solution
Undoubtedly, the new Pixel phones are impressive. They look good, pack strong internals, but what makes them truly unique is their powerful software and the AI features. Google has a knack of bringing new features with Pixel smartphones, and this year, we have something called 'Call Screen' - a feature that will answer calls on your behalf. Let's see how it works.
Google Assistant answers on your behalf, just like a secretary
On receiving a call on Pixel 3 or Pixel 3XL, you'll get a 'Call Screen' option alongside buttons to answer or deny. Once you select it, the call will be answered and Assistant will speak on your behalf. It will then show what the caller is saying in real time, helping you decide if the call should be answered, ignored, or marked as spam.
How the feature works? Is it automated?
As you select the 'Call Screen' option, Google Assistant will tell the caller that you're using the feature and will be getting a transcript of the conversation. It then asks their name and reason for call. Following this, you have to select a set of pre-determined response phrases (like in Gmail) to know more about the caller, to answer or to mark spam.
What the caller will hear on the other side?
Presumably, the caller will hear the pre-determined responses in a disembodied robotic voice like that of the Google Assistant. We doubt it would be anything like Google Duplex - the AI engine that wowed users by making reservations in an uncanny human-like voice, with the right responses. But this feature would come in handy, when you don't want to answer all the calls.
Notably, the main idea is to filter out spammers
Google's phone app already comes with a feature to flush out suspected spammers, but the new capability comes as a worthy improvement, especially considering nearly 50% of phone calls in 2019 are likely to be spam. When you'll select the option to mark spam, the assistant will tell the caller to remove the number from their contact and mailing list before hanging up.
All Pixel phones to get 'Call Screen'
Google has said 'Call Screen' capabilities will be available on Pixel 3 devices right out-of-the-box, while those with older Pixel phones will be getting it sometime around next month. There's no word for other phones, including Android One devices.
