Tired of answering calls? Google Pixel phones will respond for you soon.

Answering phone calls can be a tedious task for many. Whether due to the constant influx of telemarketers or because it interrupts a busy day, picking up the phone is not always something that is welcomed with enthusiasm. In this context, Google's Pixel phones have introduced a new feature called AI Replies, aimed at alleviating the burden of answering calls. This tool uses advanced artificial intelligence to generate natural, human-like responses, complementing the Call Screen feature that Google already offers.

AI Replies is an enhancement of the Call Screen application, which allows Pixel phones to filter calls from unknown or suspicious numbers. When a call is received, Google Assistant prompts the caller to identify themselves, and the response is displayed as text on the screen. This way, the user can decide whether to answer without needing to speak.

This new feature takes filtering a step further by including AI-generated responses. Instead of being limited to generic options like "Can you say more?" or "Call me later?", the Pixel phone can now create a response that sounds more natural to the context of the conversation. The technology is based on Google’s Gemini Nano language model, which produces appropriate responses based on the content of the conversation, giving users more flexibility in managing calls.

When AI Replies is activated, the phone will automatically interact with callers in a way that is adapted to the conversation. For example, if someone calls to confirm an appointment, the AI might respond with "Confirm appointment" or "Cancel appointment," thus saving the time of answering. Over time, it is anticipated that AI Replies will be able to handle more complex conversations, offering an even greater variety of personalized responses.

The utility of AI Replies is evident for those who feel overwhelmed by constant interruptions or who prefer not to communicate with every caller. The ability to let the phone manage responses means that it’s not necessary to interrupt what you’re doing to answer, which reduces stress and saves time. Whether to avoid sales calls or to quickly confirm a commitment, this feature offers a more efficient way to handle calls. Additionally, since Google’s AI is designed to learn and improve over time, this feature is expected to become more effective as it adapts to different situations.

However, it's important to note that AI Replies is not infallible. At times, the AI may misinterpret the caller's intent, which is why a notice is included in the phone app indicating that responses may be inaccurate.

Currently, AI Replies is in beta, meaning it is still being tested and is not available to everyone. To try it out, users will need to manually activate it in their phone settings and accept Google’s AI terms of use before enabling the feature. Although certain safety measures have been implemented, AI-driven responses are not always accurate, so caution is advised in its use.

If AI Replies becomes commonplace, it could revolutionize the way we interact with our phones, especially in managing incoming calls. With its intelligent, AI-powered responses, this feature could make call screening even more convenient, saving time and reducing interruptions throughout the day. Whether dealing with unwanted calls or looking for a smarter way to manage time, AI Replies could be the solution for perceiving the phone less as an interruption and more as a helpful assistant.