Google is now rolling out its spam detection tool for Pixel 6 smartphones and newer models. The company is enhancing security on Android devices with new tools to better combat malware and scams.
The latest update to Google Play Protect introduces “Live Threat Detection,” which continuously monitors apps for suspicious behavior, not just during installation. Initially available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, this feature will expand to other Android brands like Lenovo, OnePlus, Nothing, and Oppo in the coming months.
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Notably, the Scam Detection feature monitors “conversation patterns typically linked to scams.” When identified, it triggers an audio and haptic alert, prompting you to check your phone for a “Likely scam” warning. The message “Suspicious activity detected for this call” appears, along with an “End call” button or an option to mark the call as “Not a scam.”
Google boosts Android security! Play Protect gets real-time malware detection (Pixel 6+ now, wider rollout coming) & on-device AI flags scam calls (Pixel 6 beta, expanding soon). pic.twitter.com/g9IVbfN4KD
— Alex (@Jfreeg_) November 13, 2024
As per the company, this feature is designed to protect your privacy, allowing you to control its activation. By default, it is turned off, and you can choose to enable it for future calls. You can also disable it anytime in the Phone app settings or during a call. The AI model operates fully on-device, ensuring that no audio or transcription is stored, sent to Google servers, or accessible after the call.
This new Scam Detection feature is built on Gemini Nano, advanced on-device AI model, on Pixel 9 series devices. Additionally, this AI-powered protection is also available to Pixel 6+ users.
New Gemini AI Scam Detection now flags scam calls in real-time for Pixel 6 to Pixel 9 models. It runs in the background alerting you instantly to shady calls. Google Play Protect also got a boost monitoring apps for suspicious activity. #Google #Pixel #AIFeatures #ScamDetection pic.twitter.com/k7Mw8QYeC3
— Voltique (@Voltique_Offici) November 14, 2024
Google is also rolling out live threat detection in Google Play Protect. This feature monitors how apps use sensitive permissions and interact with other apps and services. If an app is found to be harmful, users receive an instant notification.
According to Google, the feature analyzes the “actual activity patterns of apps,” including their code, to determine if they are collecting personal or sensitive data without user consent. As shown in the screenshot shared by Google, Play Protect sends a notification if an app is deemed unsafe, prompting users to review the issue in Play Protect.
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