Ever feel like answering your phone is just rolling the dice on whether it is a real call or another scam? It feels like half the time it rings, it is some spammy nonsense. And yes, sometimes you get a warning right away; other times, you don't realize it is shady until you are already on the line. Well, Google is now making it even easier to catch those spam calls by adding in-call scam detection to the Pixel Watch.
After debuting its AI-powered Scam Detection feature on Pixel phones, Google is now bringing that same tech to the Pixel Watch. That means real-time scam alerts on your wrist while you are in a call.
You will get a loud beep at the start of the call and every couple of minutes after. If the system detects a likely scam, you will also get a notification, beep and vibration. And if you know it is not a scam, you can just dismiss the alert right from the watch.
There are a few catches, though. This feature only works on the Pixel Watch 2 or Watch 3 and they need to be paired via Bluetooth with a Pixel 9 series phone – so that is the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Plus, right now, it is only available in the US and only for English-language calls.
Oh, and also, your watch needs to stay within Bluetooth range of your phone. If it is connected over LTE but your phone isn't nearby, you won't get scam alerts. Still, some scam protection is better than none.
The Pixel Watch 3 is Google's latest entry into the world of smartwatches. | Image credit – PhoneArena
To turn it on, first make sure your Pixel phone is running the latest version of the Phone app, then:
Open the Phone app
Tap More, then go to Settings
Tap Scam Detection
Toggle it on
Once it is enabled, the feature quietly works in the background during calls. As I mentioned, you will hear a beep at the start, so don't be surprised, and then periodically through the call while it scans for anything shady.
Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
A discussion is a place, where people can voice their opinion, no matter if it
is positive, neutral or negative. However, when posting, one must stay true to the topic, and not just share some
random thoughts, which are not directly related to the matter.
Things that are NOT allowed:
Off-topic talk - you must stick to the subject of discussion
Offensive, hate speech - if you want to say something, say it politely
Spam/Advertisements - these posts are deleted
Multiple accounts - one person can have only one account
Impersonations and offensive nicknames - these accounts get banned
Moderation is done by humans. We try to be as objective as possible and moderate with zero bias. If you think a
post should be moderated - please, report it.
Have a question about the rules or why you have been moderated/limited/banned? Please,
contact us.
FCC OKs Cingular\'s purchase of AT&T Wireless
Things that are NOT allowed: