Google is introducing scam call detection in the Phone app through encrypted RCS signals to verify whether calls are genuinely from contacts' devices. According to Tech Advisor, the feature will pop up warnings that "This may not be Mom" when it detects imposters using generic names like 'Mom' that are commonly used by scammers. The feature is now available on Android 12 and newer devices that use Phone by Google, providing immediate protection against fraudulent communications. The Phone app will also provide prompts to hang up suspicious calls, with the feature rolling out globally this month, starting with Pixel devices. Google reports that AI-powered impersonation scams are causing yearly financial losses of $2.95 billion, highlighting the urgent need for this security enhancement. The fake call detection works by conducting real-time checks of both phones to gauge whether the caller is who they say they are, with verified devices sending end-to-end encrypted private confirmation signals over RCS. As reported by The Techie, the feature is on by default, runs automatically in the background, and can be switched off in Phone by Google settings.
The update introduces Circle to Search capabilities that can now identify entire outfits from single images, recognizing multiple items including clothing, footwear, and accessories. As reported by Tech Advisor, Google Photos will gain a digital wardrobe feature that automatically catalogues clothes in photo libraries, creating outfit snapshots ready for assembly. The Photos wardrobe tool will roll out next week for eligible users in the United States, India, and Brazil running Android 10 or newer, turning photo libraries into digital closets for browsing outfits and planning combinations. The feature works on Android 14 and newer devices that support Circle to Search, allowing users to highlight entire looks and receive results covering everything from shirts and jackets to shoes and accessories. The outfit search feature, previously available only on Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 devices, is now expanding to all phones running Android 14 or later with Circle to Search installed. The capability is available on Android 14 and newer devices that support Circle to Search, enabling users to identify and search for entire outfits seen on their screen without switching between apps, recognizing complete looks including tops, footwear and accessories.
Google is adding safety features to the Personal Safety app for children under 13, allowing them to store medical information and emergency contacts on lock screens. According to Tech Advisor, children will also gain access to car crash detection that automatically contacts emergency services and notifies selected contacts during accidents. For teenagers, expanded access to Safety Check and real-time location sharing features will allow users to share locations with trusted contacts and notify family members of safe destinations. These features are designed to provide comprehensive protection for different age groups while maintaining user privacy, with the Personal Safety app available globally. The app now allows kids under 13 to display medical information and emergency contacts on their phone's lock screen, as well as schedule Safety Checks to let emergency contacts know they're okay. Children under 13 will soon be able to access key Personal Safety app functions, including displaying medical information and emergency contacts on the lock screen, and enabling car crash detection that can automatically alert emergency services and designated contacts following a detected accident.
The update includes AirDrop-style file sharing through Quick Share, expanding beyond Pixel devices to more Android manufacturers including Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, and Honor. As reported by Tech Advisor, Google Play Books gains Book Insights with AI-powered reading assistance, offering chapter summaries and context questions for select English-language titles. The feature begins rolling out today for select English-language titles, including thousands available at no cost. Additionally, Gboard introduces new Emoji Kitchen combinations for creating custom stickers across messaging apps, offering more ways to express reactions and celebrations beyond the standard emoji catalog. Google is also extending interoperability between Android and iPhone devices through Quick Share, with supported Android devices able to exchange photos, videos and documents more easily with Apple's AirDrop ecosystem, allowing users to transfer files securely with or without an internet connection. The move aims to reduce friction for users sharing content across different mobile platforms. Google Play Books now includes a "catch me up" feature for generating recaps of previously read sections, helping users quickly resume a book after a break, plus the ability to ask questions about passages, themes, context, and characters.
According to Tech Advisor, the June Android Drop features are rolling out now, with some features initially limited to select countries based on Android version and device compatibility. The scam call detection feature is available on Android 12 and newer devices, while the Photos wardrobe tool will be restricted to select countries during initial rollout. The update comes on the heels of Android 17 that Google unveiled last month, which bakes AI even deeper into the operating system through Gemini Intelligence. The June Android updates are designed to be more practical than flashy, especially as scam calls become more sophisticated with AI voice cloning. Google says these features are rolling out now, with more Android updates planned as the company prepares for Android 17.
