The Google Pixel Watch now offers scam protection directly on your wrist.

      Joe Maring / Digital Trends

      The Google Pixel Watch 2 and 3 are already considered some of the top smartwatches, and now Google has added another useful feature to them. The company is introducing Scam Detection to its watches, boosting security so that you won’t need to pull your phone out of your pocket.

      We frequently receive scam calls, and Google’s Scam Detection is one method tech companies attempt to alleviate the annoyance (and safety risk) of these calls. This feature monitors calls and employs AI to identify conversation patterns typically used by scammers. If something sounds suspicious, Scam Detection will alert you with a notification, sound, and vibration.

      Previously exclusive to Pixel Phones, this feature is now being made available on the Pixel Watch 2 and 3. This means you can securely answer calls on your watch while still benefiting from Scam Protection in real time during calls. While the feature isn't completely foolproof and scammers constantly adapt their tactics, it’s certainly better than having no protection at all.

      However, this feature is not accessible to everyone. You'll need a Pixel 9 phone or later that is paired with the Google Pixel Watch 2 or 3 via Bluetooth. Additionally, Scam Detection is only functional in the U.S. for conversations in English.

      According to TechRadar, you can activate Scam Detection on your Pixel Phone and Watch by navigating to Settings — it’s found under Scam Detection. You'll know it's activated because it will beep at the start of the call and intermittently during the conversation.

      For some users, this feature may not hold significant value, but it saves you the trouble of taking your phone out of your pocket when you're uncertain about a number. Scam Detection or not, it’s crucial to remain alert, as new scams emerge every week.

      Monica is a computing writer at Digital Trends, primarily covering PC hardware. Since joining the team in 2021, Monica has written...

      Thanks to Gemini, users can now interact with Google Maps.

      Google is gradually implementing contextual enhancements to Gemini, making it simpler for users to benefit from AI across its key products. For instance, opening a PDF in the Files app automatically displays a Gemini chip for analysis. Similarly, invoking Gemini while using an app will present an “ask about screen” option, with live video access as well.

      This approach is now being applied to the Google Maps experience. When you open a place card in Maps and invoke Gemini, it now presents an “ask about place” chip just above the chat box. Gemini has had access to Google Maps data for some time via the “apps” system (formerly extensions), but it is now proactively integrated within the Maps application.

      The name is quite clear. By tapping the “ask about place” button, the chosen location is displayed as a live card in the chat window to provide contextual responses.

      Google Messages may soon allow in-chat YouTube viewing.

      Google appears to be preparing to reintroduce a popular feature in its Messages app: the YouTube miniplayer. After quietly discontinuing it last year, the company seems to be reconsidering this feature, aiming for a more seamless way to share and watch videos directly within chats.

      The Google Pixel 9a lacks an essential life-saving feature.

      Launched earlier this week, the Pixel 9a brings the magic of the Pixel 9 in a more compact and affordable package. However, with the lower price, the Pixel 9a sacrifices some advantages of the higher-end Pixel 9 devices, including certain defining Gemini AI features.

      Despite using the same Tensor G4 chipset as the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, the Pixel 9a lacks a vital feature: satellite-based SOS functionality. Google confirmed this with Android Authority, stating you won’t be able to call or text for help in situations where you are stranded without network coverage, unlike what you can do with the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro Fold. Google offers these services on premium Pixel phones in the U.S., Canada, UK, and some parts of Europe.

      Reasons for the Pixel 9a's absence of satellite SOS connectivity

      The reason Google excluded satellite connectivity from the Pixel 9a lies in the use of an older modem. Unlike the Pixel 9 series, which utilizes the newer Samsung Exynos 5400 modem, the 9a employs the previous generation Exynos 5300. The newer modem facilitates 5G non-terrestrial networking (NTN), which is essential for connecting to low-orbit communication satellites when cellular networks are unavailable.