Google has issued an urgent update to Android users, advising them to update their phones to prevent thieves from accessing stolen devices. The upcoming Android update will introduce a Theft Detection Lock feature that utilizes AI to identify when a smartphone has been snatched and automatically locks the device, requiring a PIN to unlock. The update is set to launch globally later this year. Dave Burke, Google's Vice President of Engineering, highlighted the prevalence of phone theft, with a phone being stolen every five minutes in Sao Paolo and every six minutes in London. The update will be available to Android 10+ devices through a Google Play services update later this year [2f3dd8d4].
This new security feature from Google is particularly relevant in light of the increasing risks of phone theft. The Truecaller app, which has over 383 million active users, has introduced two new features to enhance user safety. The first feature, called Personal Voice, allows Truecaller Premium subscribers to use an AI-powered assistant to answer calls in their own voices. Users can record and set up their voice in the app, and the AI assistant will answer calls and greet callers in the user's voice, providing a personalized experience. The second feature, called AI Call Scanner, is designed to safeguard users against AI-generated scam calls. This feature is currently being rolled out in the US, followed by India and other top markets. Truecaller is also considering integrating the AI Call Scanner with other communication platforms and devices, and exploring the possibility of launching the feature on iOS in the future [d10909da] [17f03530].
In addition to Google's Theft Detection Lock feature, the company is also testing a new AI-based scam call detection feature. However, its legality is in question, as profiling callers based on conversation content without their consent is not permitted in India. Google's new feature uses on-device Gemini Nano AI to warn users in real-time if it detects conversation patterns commonly associated with scams. The feature is still under testing and will be opt-in for users. Legal experts have raised concerns about the violation of privacy rights, and it is suggested that new guidelines under the relevant chapter of the Telecommunications Act be introduced to address potential privacy infringements before making the feature available for public or commercial use [d8035a8c].
A cutting-edge smartphone designed for seniors has been introduced, focusing on innovative security measures to combat unwanted calls. The device includes unique features such as a warning message for unknown or hidden callers, a pre-call screening option to verify the identity of the caller, and an automatic call disconnect function to stop nuisance calls effectively. The smartphone is the first in the Simple Smartphone series to incorporate the “Mobile Suica” function and supports a “smartphone electronic certificate” that can be used similarly to a My Number card. It also offers convenient features like a “One-Press Support” to easily reset settings and a “Safety Check Email” to inform remote family members. The smartphone incorporates biometric authentication technology, such as fingerprint recognition or facial recognition, to provide an additional layer of security. Advantages include enhanced security through biometric authentication and a personalized user experience tailored to the needs of seniors. Disadvantages include a potential learning curve for seniors unfamiliar with biometric technology and a higher price point for the smartphone due to the cost of implementing advanced security features [09b46c7c].