Google Pixel phones have a useful voicemail feature that's hidden by default - how to enable it

· Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Internet of Things (IoT) & Connected Devices, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning · Depth: Novice, quick

Summary

Google Pixel phones offer a "Take A Message" feature, introduced last year, which streamlines voicemail management by providing real-time transcripts of missed or declined calls, spam filtering, and easy access within the Phone app. Despite its utility, nearly 60% of Android users are reportedly unaware of this feature, which significantly enhances the call experience when combined with call screening. Enabling "Take A Message" involves a simple toggle within the Phone app's settings. Additionally, Google is rolling out a new feature that allows users to create custom voicemail greetings directly within the Android Phone app, moving voicemail management away from carriers, though this is currently limited to specific beta versions of the app (version 217.0.895016164-publicbeta-pixel or higher).

Key takeaway

Google Pixel's "Take A Message" feature centralizes voicemail, spam filtering, and real-time transcription directly within the Phone app, a capability unknown to nearly 60% of Android users. It provides real-time transcripts of incoming messages and organizes calls for easier management, significantly streamlining call handling. An upcoming update will further integrate custom greetings, allowing Pixel owners to fully replace cumbersome carrier-based voicemail.

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.