AI to answer calls on your behalf? Google Pixel’s reportedly working on ‘AI Replies’ feature - Check details

Google Pixel is expected to introduce a new feature, called ‘AI Replies’ enabling the Pixel devices to answer calls on behalf of users. This feature will use advance language models to facilitate seamless responses. According to the latest report, Google is working to develop AI-powered responses that can engage with callers in a more intelligent way. 

When a Pixel device receives a call, the ’AI Replies’ feature will work by crafting a response based on what the caller says. Hence, the feature will provide an AI-generated reply that is more natural, instead of choosing from a set list. The responses will be sourced from Google’s advanced language models, including the Gemini Nano model. The feature aims to handle more complex situations and go beyond generic answers. 

Notably, Pixel phones already come with a feature known as ‘Call Screen’ for managing incoming calls. Launched a few years ago, this feature helps filter calls from unknown numbers or unwanted callers with the help of Google Assistant. It asks the callers to state the reason why they are calling, which can be seen in the form of a text response on the screen, allowing Pixel users to decide whether to take the call. 

Last year in December, Google unveiled ‘contextual replies’ to Call Screen, enabling Pixel devices to provide tailored responses. 

Google has also implemented safeguards for AI replies, including a disclaimer that says, “This information is AI generated and could be inaccurate”. These safeguards inform users that the AI-generated responses may sometimes be inaccurate or fail to capture the caller’s intent. 

To use the ‘AI Replies’ feature, users will need to manually turn it on in the Phone app settings. Currently, the feature is in beta testing, and its official rollout may take some time. This feature can be a game changer for people who generally feel overwhelmed by calls, eliminating the need for user interruption.