The rumored March release spawned from information posted on a Google blog post that originally indicated this timeline. However, that detail has since been removed, creating uncertainty about when, or even if, it will be implemented.
This feature, designed to identify and alert users to potential scams during phone calls and within text messages, works by analyzing conversation patterns and text message content, looking for indicators of fraudulent activity. The phone app version would provide real-time alerts during calls, while the messaging version would either flag suspicious texts or move them to a spam folder.
Dave Burke introduces Scam Protection at Google I/O 2024. | Image credit — Google YouTube Channel
The technology behind this scam detection varies depending on the Pixel device. Newer Pixel 9 phones are expected to utilize Gemini Nano, Google's advanced on-device AI. Older models, from the Pixel 6 onward, will rely on different machine learning models that process data locally. The initial plan was to introduce this safety measure as part of the March Pixel update. However, the removal of all references to the feature from the blog suggests a change in strategy.
Recommended For You
It is unclear why mentions of the feature coming next month has been removed from Google's website. Perhaps Google has discovered unforeseen problems with the feature that prevents the company from releasing it next month, or it is also possible that they decided to refine the feature before releasing it to the public. The removal of the feature from the blog post could also mean the feature is being pushed back to a later update.
Regardless of the timeline, this feature seems like it would be impactful enough that I wouldn't mind waiting a few more months for it. It seems like scammers have an unlimited amount of creativity when it comes to coming up with schemes to cheat innocent people out of their money. The increasing amount of scam texts I am receiving now, be it for nonexisting unpaid tolls or an incredible work from home opportunity, is enough to drive anyone mad. Hopefully, once it rolls out, this tool can have the same effect on those scam calls and texts that the Call Screening tool has had on the number of spam calls.
Six-month unlimited plan is now 57% off
$90
$210
$120 off (57%)
Mint Mobile is now allowing you to get whichever plan you like for either three, six, or 12 months for just $15/mo. If you go for the six-month unlimited service, for instance, you'll now have to pay just $90 upfront instead of $210.
Johanna Romero is a Senior News Writer at PhoneArena, covering mobile technology news across Android, iOS, wearables, and the Google ecosystem she knows best. Drawing on 15 years in IT and tech support from 2007 to 2022, she brings a user-friendly eye for the practical features and lesser-known tricks readers care about. Google named her an official #TeamPixel member in 2022, and she also reviews the latest devices on her YouTube channel, JoJo the Techie.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts:
New accounts created within the last 24 hours may experience restrictions on how frequently they can
post or comment.
These limits are in place as a precaution and will automatically lift.
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
Things that are NOT allowed:
To help keep our community safe and free from spam, we apply temporary limits to newly created accounts: