(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Everyone has a friend who never answers their phone, but a rumored feature coming to Android devices may encourage them to pick up important calls.
Hidden in the latest public beta of the Phone by Google app is notification tech that appears on a recipient’s phone telling them your call is urgent. Android Authority spotted the feature, dubbed "Expressive Calling," in version 201.0.833052069 of the app, though the site suggests it might also use the name "Call Reason," if it's actually released.
If someone calls you, they'd be able to attach a brief notice providing a reason for the call, including Catch up with a wave emoji, Quick question with a question mark, News to share with a bell icon, and It’s urgent with an image of a siren.
The feature may also be able to override a recipient's Do Not Disturb settings in emergencies, though that would be limited to contacts so it’s not abused by scam callers.
The big unanswered question is how the feature will work when you're ringing those who aren’t using the Phone by Google app. It's not available on iPhone, and it isn’t the default on all Android devices. We'll have to wait for an official announcement to learn more.
Last week, Google rolled out an update bringing call recording to all Pixel models from the Pixel 6 and later. The brand's latest Pixel Drop also adds in new tricks to its Messages app, including AI-powered image editing without leaving a conversation.