counter easy hit

Google Pixel Watch now gives you scam protection right on your wrist

Google Pixel Watch now gives you scam protection right on your wrist
1
A person sitting down and wearing the Google Pixel Watch 2.
Joe Maring / Digital Trends

The Google Pixel Watch 2 and 3 are already among the best smartwatches, but now, Google decked them out with another handy feature. Google is adding Scam Detection to its watches, enhancing security without making you pull your phone out of your pocket.

We all deal with scam calls on a regular basis, and Google’s Scam Detection is just one way tech companies try to combat the nuisance (and safety hazard) of these calls. This tool listens to calls and uses AI to detect conversation patterns that scammers have been known to use. If something sounds shady, Scam Detection will send you a notification accompanied by a sound and vibration.

This feature was previously limited to Pixel Phones, but now, Google is bringing it to the Pixel Watch 2 and 3. This means that you’ll be able to safely answer the call on your watch and still benefit from Scam Protection in real time, during the conversation. Of course, the feature isn’t entirely accurate and scammer tactics evolve every single day, but it’s definitely better than nothing.

Of course, the feature isn’t available to every single user. You’ll need a Pixel 9 phone or later, and it needs to be paired with the Google Pixel Watch 2 or 3, and this will only work if the two devices are paired via Bluetooth. Moreover, Scam Detection is only available in the U.S. during conversations in English.

As explained by TechRadar, you can turn on Scam Detection on your Pixel Phone and Watch by heading to the Settings — it’s tucked away under Scam Detection. You’ll know the feature is enabled because it’ll beep right at the start of the call and every now and then during the conversation.

For many, this feature might not be too meaningful, but it saves you having to take your phone out of your pocket when you’re not sure about a particular number. Scam Detection or not, it’s always important to stay vigilant, as new scams are detected every single week.

Monica J. White

Monica is a computing writer at Digital Trends, focusing on PC hardware. Since joining the team in 2021, Monica has written…

Oppo smartwatch may lead to the small OnePlus Watch 3 we’re craving

A promotional image showing the Oppo Watch X2 Mini.

One of the few downsides of the excellent OnePlus Watch 3 is that it only comes in a single case size, but if an Oppo smartwatch release in China is anything to go by, the company may now be in a position to change that. The Oppo Watch X2 Mini has been given an official April 10 launch date and is available for pre-order in China, and it may be the template for a OnePlus Watch 3 Mini.

Before we talk about the smartwatch, here’s some context. Oppo and OnePlus entered into a strategic partnership in 2021, with the two brands effectively sharing research, development, software, and even camera partners. While the two release separate and suitably different products, there are many similarities. The OnePlus Watch 3 just happens to have an Oppo sibling called the Oppo Watch X2, and the pair are practically identical.

Read more

Thanks to Gemini, you can now talk with Google Maps

Gemini’s Ask about place chip in Google Maps.

Google is steadily rolling out contextual improvements to Gemini that make it easier for users to derive AI’s benefits across its core products. For example, opening a PDF in the Files app automatically shows a Gemini chip to analyze it. Likewise, summoning it while using an app triggers an “ask about screen” option, with live video access, too.
A similar treatment is now being extended to the Google Maps experience. When you open a place card in Maps and bring up Gemini, it now shows an “ask about place” chip right about the chat box. Gemini has been able to access Google Maps data for a while now using the system of “apps” (formerly extensions), but it is now proactively appearing inside the Maps application.

The name is pretty self-explanatory. When you tap on the “ask about place” button, the selected location is loaded as a live card in the chat window to offer contextual answers. 

Read more

Google Messages could soon let you watch YouTube right in the chat

Google messages versus samsung messages app icons side by side on Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Google looks like it’s getting ready to bring back a fan-favorite feature in its Messages app: the YouTube miniplayer. After quietly pulling the plug on it last year, the company seems to be rethinking things, aiming for a smoother way to share and watch videos right inside your chats.

Read more

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.