Let Google Assistant Screen your Calls on Pixel 3
The Call Screen feature that Google included with the Pixel 3 is one of my favorite new software features. This comes as a way to fight back against the never-ending spam that rings up my phone multiple times per day. It has though one tiny problem that needs to be addressed pretty soon, but until reaching to that point, let’s find out a bit more about it.
If a call comes in and you believe that it is a spam — or you just don’t want to take it, then I have the best suggestion for you. All you must do is to tap Screen call and Google Assistant will answer for you, saying, “Hi, the person you’re calling is using a screening service from Google, and will get a copy of this conversation. Go ahead and say your name, and why you’re calling.”
Chances are the person on the line instantly hangs up if they are a telemarketer. Occasionally the caller will respond to Google and tell you who they are. At that point, you’ll see what they say transcribed in real time on your Pixel 3 screen and you can choose whether to answer, send a quick reply, or report as spam. However, returning to that issue, I don’t like the fact that once you do hang up, the record of that call mostly disappears. If you don’t screenshot the Call Screen, all record of what the caller said to you is gone.
Sure, you can view the missed call in your recent call log, but none of the conversation that Google had with the person can be seen again.
If this does remind you of Duplex, be sure of the fact that you are not the only one saying it. Back in May, Google revealed a demo of Duplex, a first look at a feature that they’ve been developing for the Google Assistant which uses advancements in artificial intelligence to let your phone take calls for you. It is important to note that Google still calls this an experimental feature, but things are moving towards the right direction.
Google Duplex is launching in the next few days in the US on a city-by-city basis, allowing users to make reservations through the Assistant. Instead of having to make a phone call to restaurants that don’t have an online reservation system, Google Assistant can make the call for users, after identifying itself as a bot.
