Android users are about to get a powerful new tool against the rising tide of phone scams. Google has announced a series of updates for the Android ecosystem, headlined by a feature that can detect spoofed calls and impersonation fraud. The system, which will be available on all phones running Android 12 or higher, requires users to have three specific Google apps installed: Phone by Google, Contacts, and Google Messages. While this may limit adoption on devices that use alternative dialers, such as those from Samsung or OnePlus, Google claims it is the most widely used dialer, though Samsung's dominance makes that claim debatable.
Impersonation fraud has become one of the most common financial scams, with the FTC tracking nearly $3 billion in losses in 2024 alone. Advances in AI voice cloning have made it easier for scammers to recreate the voices of friends, family, or colleagues, fooling victims into believing they are speaking with someone they trust. The new scam call detection works by verifying incoming calls that appear to come from a known contact. When a call comes in, the Google Phone dialer sends a confirmation signal to the caller's device. If that signal is missing—as it often is in spoofed relay calls—the victim's phone uses Google Messages to send an authenticated RCS ping to the supposed caller. If the caller's phone reports it is not placing the call, a pop-up alert warns the user that the person on the line may not be who they appear to be.
This system requires both parties to have the three Google apps installed. If a caller uses a different dialer, such as Samsung's native phone app, the verification will not work. This limitation could reduce the feature's effectiveness, but Google is betting that the widespread adoption of its apps—especially on Pixel and Motorola devices, and increasingly on Samsung phones that have switched to Google Messages—will make it useful for many users.
Beyond scam detection, Google is also expanding its AI-powered features. The 'Find the Look' capability in Circle to Search, which debuted on the Pixel 10 and Galaxy S26, is now rolling out to all devices running Android 14 and higher. This tool allows users to circle any image on their screen and identify clothing, accessories, and outfits. It analyzes the entire ensemble, making it easy to shop for similar items or simply identify what someone is wearing. Google Photos is also getting a new AI-assisted fashion engine that catalogs clothing from photos, creating a virtual wardrobe users can browse and organize. The app can even generate AI images of the user wearing those outfits, though Google advises checking the real-world look before heading out.
Meanwhile, Google's support for Apple AirDrop is expanding to more Android devices. Initially limited to recent Pixel and Samsung flagships, the feature now extends to additional models. The list includes the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy Z Flip7, Z Fold7, Galaxy TriFold, Galaxy S24 series, and Galaxy Z Flip6 and Fold6. Also supported are the OnePlus 15, Xiaomi 17T Pro, Vivo X300 and X300 Pro, and HONOR Magic V6. Sending files from Android to iPhone still requires the iPhone to be set to accept AirDrop from 'anyone for 10 minutes,' and contact-based sharing remains unsupported when sending from Android. Nevertheless, the broader availability marks a step toward cross-platform file sharing.
The scam detection feature is part of a broader effort by Google to combat financial fraud. Regulators in several countries have advised Android users to avoid using their phones for financial transactions due to the ease of AI-powered spoofing. By integrating verification directly into the call flow, Google aims to restore trust in phone-based communications. The system uses on-device AI to identify suspicious behavior and works in tandem with Google Messages' real-time scam identification.
These updates reflect Google's strategy to leverage its app ecosystem and AI capabilities to enhance security and user experience. While the requirement for multiple Google apps may frustrate some users, the potential to prevent financial losses could drive adoption. As AI voice cloning becomes more sophisticated, such automated protections may become essential for anyone who relies on their phone for sensitive conversations.
In addition to the security features, Google is also rolling out updates to Circle to Search and Google Photos. Circle to Search now allows users to identify not just objects but entire outfits, including layers, accessories, and footwear. This capability is powered by machine learning models that analyze visual elements across categories. Google Photos' new wardrobe feature organizes clothing items from uploaded photos, enabling users to mix and match pieces virtually. The AI can generate images of the user wearing different combinations, though the visual accuracy may vary.
The AirDrop expansion is particularly noteworthy for Android users who frequently exchange files with iPhone owners. While the process still requires manual settings on the iPhone side, the addition of more devices means that Android users no longer need to rely on third-party apps or cloud services for quick file transfers. Google has not disclosed plans to support contact-based sharing from Android to iPhone, but the current implementation works for one-off transfers.
These updates are expected to roll out gradually, starting with devices that have the latest versions of the required Google apps. Users can check for updates in the Google Play Store and ensure their devices are running Android 12 or higher to take advantage of the scam detection feature. For those who prioritize privacy and security, installing the Google Phone, Contacts, and Messages apps may be a worthwhile trade-off.
Source: Ars Technica News