Skip to main content

A new Google Pixel feature could make managing phone calls a breeze

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 screens.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold (top), Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Contextual replies are one of the best parts of the Google Pixel experience. This feature allows you to respond to a call without actually answering it; the Google Assistant voice asks why they’re calling and allows you to answer with generated responses for specific keywords. For example, if someone is calling to confirm an appointment, you can reply with “Confirm.”

It’s a great feature, especially if you aren’t fond of talking on the phone. Now an update to contextual replies could take the feature to the next level with AI responses. The team at 9to5Google found snippets of code in the latest beta version of the Phone by Google app that suggest a wider range of capabilities is on the way.

Recommended Videos

Although details are scarce, the names of variables within the code and the text itself are pretty clear. One string is called “AI Replies,” and the font style suggests it’s a header. The other is “Turn on AI replies?” and there will presumably be a toggle available.

Google Gemini Advanced running on the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Joe Maring / Digital Trends

The setting doesn’t exist yet, and though the code might be present in the beta, it doesn’t mean the feature will be part of the next update. However, it does confirm that Google has its sights set on expanding the contextual call feature to allow Gemini to respond for you. You can already respond to calls with basic prompts like “Confirm” and “Thank you,” but AI Replies should greatly expand the types and quality of replies you can select.

After that, who knows where the possibilities will stop? It might one day be possible for Gemini to make appointments and reservations for you.

Of course, this feature might not be released — it’s best not to count your chickens before they hatch, after all — but this is one feature we hope to see soon.

Patrick Hearn
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
Carriers claim new FCC rule will make your phone more expensive
A screenshot of the T-Mobile Tuesdays app, showing a promo for the new T Life app.

In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering a rule requiring carriers to unlock phones within 60 days of purchase. According to Wired, two of the largest carriers, AT&T and T-Mobile, are advising caution, saying it could negatively impact consumers. In a recent filing to the FCC, T-Mobile explains: “If the Commission mandates a uniform unlocking policy, it is consumers — not providers —  who stand to lose the most.”

It continues: “Consumers risk losing access to the benefits of free or heavily subsidized handsets because the proposal would force providers to reduce the lineup of their most compelling handset offers." In a note to the FCC, AT&T said that "requiring providers to unlock handsets before they are paid off would ultimately harm consumers by creating upward pressure on handset prices and disincentives to finance handsets on flexible terms."

Read more
The Google Messages app is getting a few important safety features
google messages scam identity fraud package delivery spam features detect

Google’s software theme for 2024 has been safety. With the arrival of Android 15, the company added a host of anti-theft measures for phones, and later locked the Find My system behind biometric check. Next in line is the Messages app.

Earlier today, the company announced enhanced scam detection, putting special focus on package delivery scams and job frauds. Package delivery frauds have been on the rise lately, and they are being used for everything from brushing scams to those extorting money in the name of fake package delivery problems.

Read more
The Google Pixel 9a may get an unexpected camera change
Pixel 9a 5K render.

There’s an interesting change that Google might be making on next year’s Pixel 9a. The change will bring something over from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, according to a new report from Android Headlines.

Per the report, the Pixel 9a will feature a 48-megapixel sensor instead of the 64MP primary sensor found on the Pixel 7a and Pixel 8a. It’s likely the one found on Google’s second-generation foldable Pixel. The report explains that although the Pixel 9a will have a lower resolution sensor, the larger megapixels used should provide better-looking photos.

Read more