Call screening teased for Google Phone app that could stop spam calls for good

Google has been working hard to eliminate suspected spam calls with updates for the Google Phone app. Following on from the addition of a warning filter for unsolicited telemarketing calls, Google is now seemingly looking to screen unknown numbers too.

The feature has emerged following APK teardowns of Google Phone version 22 by the folks over at Android Police and 9to5Google.

According to strings within the app, call screening would force anyone calling from unknown or suspicious numbers to answer one or more automated questions, including stating their name.

The “real-time audio transcription” is relayed to the recipient who can listen to the responses and decide whether or not to accept the call. Alternatively, the recipient can also listen to the responses live and accept/reject the call accordingly.

When enabled, users would also be able to listen to any responses recorded from missed calls. One string notes that “conversation audio and transcript are saved only in your call history, only on your phone,” while also confirming that the feature “works without Wi-Fi or data.”

Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that call screening will make its way to the final version of Google Phone for all users, as it may be dependant on carrier support. If you’re keen on trying out the feature early, you might want to keep on eye on the Google Phone beta program in the coming weeks and months.

What do you think of this potential call screening feature? Let us know in the comments.