Google is rolling out the new Call Recording feature to older Pixel models that do not support some newer AI-powered calling features.
According to The Verge, the new rollout will target Pixel 6 and newer devices that cannot support the all-new Gemini Nano-powered Call Notes feature, which was released as part of the November Pixel Drop.
Google first announced the expansion of the Call Recording feature back in September in a blog post discussing AI-powered phone call features. The feature should be available within an update to Google’s Phone app, alongside the November Pixel Drop, which is now available.
To add some context, Call Notes uses AI to transcribe calls, take notes, and offer suggestions based on the conversations. Currently, this feature is available for Pixel 9 and above. However, Call Recording (accessible in Settings > Call Assist > Call Recording in the Phone app) records the phone call as an audio file, which is stored on your device and not transcribed.
Recordings can be started manually at the start of a call, or in the Phone app’s settings, where you can choose to have the call automatically recorded for calls from specific numbers or for calls not in your contacts. The recordings can be automatically deleted after 7, 14, or 30 days, or you can keep them forever.
For safety, you will also need to download some audio files that inform everyone on the call that they are being recorded. Keep in mind that this feature may not be available to everyone due to privacy laws in certain areas. It depends on whether you live in a “one-party consent” province, territory, or state.
To access the Call recording feature, Pixel 6 devices or newer require Android 14 or later. Interestingly, according to The Verge, if you have the Phone by Google app on a non-Pixel device, you will only require Android 9 or newer.
Source: The Verge
