Google’s official phone app, intuitively called Google Phone, may soon allow users to automatically record calls from unknown numbers, according to a report. Some Android phones come with the Phone app installed. It has a number of useful features that make it well regarded and this addition would further improve its functionality.
Initially available only on Google's flagship Pixel line of smartphones, Phone was made available to download for a handful of other phones in August last year. Among its features are caller ID beyond a user's contacts based on Google's information, warnings about suspected spam calls with the option to block them in the future, and the ability to filter out calls from unknown numbers. Visual voicemail, which is supported by certain carriers only, allows users to read transcripts and delete or save voicemails without needing to listen through them, a user's current location is provided to them during emergency calls, and 'Flip to Shhh' incoming call muting is also supported.
It now looks as though Google Phone's strong focus on call security and screening will be further bolstered. In a teardown of the most recent version update for the app, XDA Developers spotted new code including the question "Always record calls with numbers not in your contacts?" As XDA Developers notes, Google has rolled out call recording support to the Phone app for some devices and that is ongoing, but the ability to enable it automatically based on whether incoming call numbers are recognized offers a more specific type of screening.
Uses For Google Phone App Unknown Number Call Recording
Few people would want to record their day-to-day calls with friends and family, or even work colleagues for that matter. For one thing, it could be seen as intrusive and it would also unnecessarily take up device storage space. However, the ability to begin recording from within calls can be a useful feature if, for example, someone needs to make notes about what they are being told or they are receiving a nuisance call of some sort.
These things, surely, are what Google has in mind when looking to introduce this new functionality. Unknown numbers can often be from individuals trying to get in touch for one reason or other, businesses making sales calls, or businesses a user is already dealing with. In any of these instances, the need to take notes or otherwise capture what is discussed is a distinct possibility, while it's also very possible that such calls can be unsolicited or a nuisance for which a recording could later prove useful for tackling. Quite when Google intends to roll this out is unclear and users would of course need a compatible device for Google Phone, but it will be a useful feature for those who get it.
Source: XDA Developers