Android is getting an AI-powered scam call detection feature

Google is working on new protections to help prevent Android users from falling victim to phone scams. During its I/O developer conference on Tuesday, Google announced that it is testing a new call monitoring feature that will warn users if the person they are talking to is likely trying to scam them and encourage them to end such calls. calls.

Google says the feature uses Gemini Nano — a scaled-down version of the company’s large Gemini language model for Android devices that can run locally and offline — to look for fraudulent language and other conversational patterns typically associated with scams. Users will receive real-time alerts during calls where these warning signs are present.

Some examples of what could trigger these alerts include calls from “bank representatives” who make requests that real banks are unlikely to make, such as asking for personal information such as card passwords or PINs, requesting payments via gift cards, or asking users to do this urgently. transfer money to them. These new protections are entirely on-device, so conversations monitored by the Gemini Nano will remain private, according to Google.

There’s no word on when the scam detection feature will be available, but Google says users will need to opt in and that it will share more information “later this year.”

Therefore, although the candidates who may find this technology useful are vast, compatibility may limit its applicability. Currently, Gemini Nano is only compatible with Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung S24 series, according to its developer support page.