Google has officially announced the new “Verified Calls” feature for its phone app, which is designed to provide additional information when a business calls you. Compatible calls will show a company name, branding, a small badge to show that it has been verified and the reason for its call.
This feature comes with the Google Phone app, which is usually pre-loaded on Pixel and Android One phones. However, Google says it will now be available for download on “limited” additional phones running Android Pi and above, including Samsung and LG’s flagship handsets. Compatible phones can capture the app from the Google Play Store and then set it as their default phone calling app.
Depending on how businesses use it, the verified calls feature can be of great help, not only letting you know who is calling (helping to avoid spam calls), but also clarifying when to drop everything to pick up their call. . For example, you may want to take a call from your bank regarding a potential fraudulent transaction, but decline the marketing call from the same business.
According to Google, this feature also benefits businesses because people are more likely to take a verified call. Although the company does not share specific numbers, it said it has seen a significant increase in the chance of customers answering calls during feature tests. (This is a confirmation Pilot in Brazil in June.) Google claims that there has been an increase in consumer confidence since its release Verified SMS feature last year. Since verified calls depend on them, it is important for businesses to have incentives to use this feature.
One step Google support page, Verified calls work by pinging Google’s server with its phone number, your phone number and the reason for calling before you call. The application on your phone compares the incoming call with the information you receive from Google, and if both match, the call shows that it has been verified. Google’s server deletes this information “in minutes”. Google says businesses can use this feature regardless of whether they are making calls in bulk or individually, and that it has protections to prevent companies from abusing it.
This feature may be a big improvement over existing caller ID systems because it verifies what businesses are saying, as well as shows the reason for their call. According to Google, this should work regardless of your carrier.
Over the past month, there have been hints that Google’s phone usage is coming to more and more Android devices Android Police Found The beta version of the app can now be installed on many phones, including Samsung and OnePlus devices.
However, Google notes that not every Google Phone feature is available on every compatible device. Visual voice mail, call recording and call screen, for example, will continue exclusively for phones that come with a pre-loaded app. Google exclusively blames “hardware bias”.
Google says verified calls will be released in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Spain and India starting today, and plans to add more countries over time. Google says the phone app will be available for download this weekend.