Google could add AI replies to its handy call-screening feature

Google could soon add “AI Replies” to the Phone app’s call-screening feature. A line of code spotted by 9to5Google suggests the app will generate “new AI-powered smart replies” based on how someone responds to the call screen.

Google widely rolled out its call-screening feature in Android 12. It allows you to filter calls and have Google Assistant respond with an audio message to ask who’s calling, rather than having to pick up the call yourself. Late last year, Google added “contextual replies,” which use the context of someone’s call to serve up customized audio responses. It also updated its call-screening feature in March with a way to respond even when the caller is silent.

It looks like Google is trying to expand on this by using AI to better understand why someone’s calling and generate more appropriate replies. Perhaps this is part of what Google meant when it hinted at “multi-step, multi-turn conversational AI” last year, which could make call screening more effective.