This incredibly useful Pixel calling feature is finally reaching more users

Update, October 17, 2024 (12:30 PM ET): We’ve corrected our characterization of Call Screen’s operation to more accurately reflect its capabilities. Android Authority regrets any confusion.

Original article, October 15, 2024 (12:00 PM ET): Google offers a handy feature on its Pixel devices that lets the Google Assistant answer calls for you and find out who’s calling and why. This Call Screen feature got some big upgrades earlier this year, but was only available in a few markets. Google is now bringing it to more regions with the latest Pixel Drop.

The next-gen Call Screen feature is rolling out to Pixel users in Japan and the UK with the October 2024 Pixel Drop. It will be available on all Pixel devices eligible for the update, including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, and the latest Pixel 9 series.

Next-gen Call Screen will allow the Google Assistant to ask the caller why they’re trying to reach you. You can view a transcript of their responses in real-time, and then choose to answer the call or hang up if it’s a spam call.

The Call Screen feature also lets you save screened calls as audio or transcripts. To do so, you’ll have to enable the Save Call Screen audio option in the Phone app settings, navigate to a recently screened call, and select the Transcript or Transcript and audio options. If you don’t see these options, you can also select the History option and then choose See transcript.

In addition to the wider availability of the next-gen Call Screen feature, the October 2024 Pixel Drop brings a couple of other useful features to Pixel devices, including Night Sight support for Instagram, Google’s new Theft Protection suite, the new Pixel Weather app, and more.