Automatic call recording is inching closer to reality for Pixel users in the US, as recent APK teardowns reveal that Google is testing this feature within the Call Notes function. Currently, Pixel 9 phone users can only manually activate Call Notes for each call to record, transcribe, and summarize conversations. While Google has included similar features in other regions, US users are left with this cumbersome manual process due to previous statements from Google indicating that automatic call recording was not intended for public release. Currently, the Google Phone app, preloaded on many Android devices, allows for call recording in several regions, but fails to implement this functionality in the US, despite the legality of recording calls in most states with consent.
The manual use of Call Notes requires users to tap a button during every call they need to document, resulting in an inconvenient experience for those who rely on frequent call recordings. Recent developments indicate that Google is exploring settings to allow automatic initiation of Call Notes for specific calls. However, they have also clarified that the code related to this feature is still under internal testing and will not be rolled out to the public just yet. The latest beta version of the Phone app introduces options for automatic call recording, which allows users to set recordings for unknown numbers or specific contacts.
Although this enhancement is similar to features already available in other countries, it does not automatically summarize or transcribe recordings. Users will need to retrieve and manually process any necessary summaries at a later time. As Google continues to refine the Call Notes feature, many hope for a future where automatic call recording is readily available in the US. Until then, manual activation remains the only option for Pixel users.
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