Pixel Watch 2 and 3 Now Equipped to Detect Scammers Effectively
Google is introducing its advanced scam detection feature to the Pixel Watch family, specifically for the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3. However, this feature will not be available on all devices or in every scenario. Initially rolled out for Pixel smartphones, this scam detection capability allows users to determine whether incoming calls or messages are potentially scams based on analyzing common scam conversation patterns. According to Droid Life, the feature was integrated into the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 as part of a surprise update released on April 7.
While these smartwatches are compatible with a range of Android phones, including older Pixel models, the scam detection capability specifically requires a Pixel 9 or a later version to function. Although the Pixel 8 has a version of scam detection using on-device machine learning, it is not equipped with the advanced capabilities powered by Google’s Gemini Nano, which is found in the Pixel 9. It is important to note that the scam detection feature relies on Bluetooth connectivity with a compatible smartphone. Users of Pixel Watch 2 and 3 will not access this service over LTE; thus, it will limit the moments when the feature can be utilized.
This initial rollout is focused on the U.S., and currently only offers support in English. Users can anticipate that Google will soon expand this feature to other regions and languages while ensuring that scam detection is set up through the phone’s settings to be operational on the smartwatch.
