Google has provided Pixel 9 users with new AI tools, which include a feature for enhanced scam protection.

      Prakhar Khanna / Digital Trends

      Google is significantly increasing the difficulty for scammers to contact Pixel device users. It plans to roll out new scam detection features for the Phone by Google and Google Messages apps in March, leveraging AI technology.

      As stated in a post on the Google Store, this feature recognizes conversation patterns that are typically linked with scammers.

      Google notes: “Your phone can utilize on-device processing to detect conversation trends often associated with scammers, such as a ‘bank representative’ urgently seeking fund transfers, gift card payments, or personal details like PINs and passwords.”

      In such situations, you will receive an immediate notification stating, “Suspicious activity detected for this call.” You can then select the “End call” or “Not a scam” options.

      In Google Messages, the scam detection feature functions similarly.

      According to 9to5Google, this function assists in safeguarding users from scam texts that may seem harmless at first but could ultimately lead to fraud. Messages that mention package deliveries or promise job opportunities are typically the most fraudulent.

      Any identified scam texts are automatically transferred to the “Spam & blocked” folder.

      The scam detection feature for the Phone by Google app entered beta testing in November, following its beta introduction in October for Google Messages.

      The new scam detection capabilities employ Google’s Gemini Nano AI model on the Pixel 9 series, while "other Google machine learning models" are utilized for Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 devices.

      Launched in late 2023, Gemini Nano represents Google’s effort to enhance mobile devices with sophisticated AI features. This on-device AI model operates efficiently, allowing it to execute complex tasks without the need for cloud servers. The emphasis on local processing prioritizes user privacy while enabling quicker and more responsive interactions.

      Key aspects of Gemini Nano include enhanced text handling capabilities such as smart replies, summarization, and improved grammar correction. It also provides accessibility functions and real-time, on-device scam detection during phone calls.

      An essential feature of Gemini Nano is its multimodal capability, which enables the model to interpret and process various forms of information, including images and sounds. This advanced version is specifically integrated into the Pixel 9 series and is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chip. Through local operations, Gemini Nano minimizes latency and safeguards sensitive user data.

      These updates are anticipated to be part of the March Pixel Feature Drop.

      Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer focused on mobile devices.

      Google is set to introduce an exciting new feature for its Pixel Recorder app.

      Smartphones are excellent devices for voice recording, whether it’s for a simple voice memo or an interview. If you own a Pixel phone, the Pixel Recorder app will soon become much more effective with a new “Clear Voice” feature identified in the latest update's Android Package Kit (APK).

      With Clear Voice, the Pixel Recorder app will “minimize background noise while recording to enhance speech clarity.” Essentially, it will retain human voices while eliminating unwanted background sounds. This feature was discovered by 9to5Google in certain strings in version 4.2.20241001.701169069 of the Pixel Recorder app.

      Google’s Pixel Weather app just received two new features. Here’s how they function.

      The Pixel Weather app has garnered considerable attention as Google refines the user experience and adds more features. There’s more good news: two of the anticipated functions — the Pollen count card and immersive vibrations — are now available for some users.

      Thanks to "immersive weather vibrations," the Pixel Weather app vibrates to align with its animated backgrounds, matching the intensity with the precipitation level (as it’s not just about rainfall), according to 9to5Google. Of course, if you prefer not to use this feature, you can disable it in the account menu.

      5 phones you should consider instead of the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.

      If you’re looking to buy a new smartphone, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL might be on your radar, and that’s understandable — it’s an excellent phone! It’s equipped with Google’s Tensor G4 chip, 16GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, a host of Google Gemini AI features, substantial storage, and a remarkable triple lens camera system. Plus, it even comes in an attractive pink Rose Quartz color.

      However, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL is impressive, there are also many other great alternatives if you want to save some money or seek even better features. Here are some phones worth considering instead of the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

      Google Pixel 9 Pro