After teasing the launch at the Google I/O event, it is finally rolling out a spam detection tool for Pixel 6 smartphones. The company is stepping up its security game with new tools to more effectively deal with malware and scams on Android devices. The latest update to Android’s Google Play Protect introduced “Live Threat Detection,” which continuously monitors apps for suspicious behavior not just during installation, but on users’ phones. This advanced detection, which was first previewed at Google I/O, is now available for the Pixel 6 and newer models, with plans to expand to other Android devices from brands like Lenovo, OnePlus, Nothing, and Oppo in the coming months Is.

Unlike traditional malware detection methods, which primarily scan apps as they are downloaded, Live Threat Detection keeps a close eye on the apps already on the device by using AI to monitor for any suspicious activity or code. Is. This approach is designed to catch more sophisticated malware that may initially appear dormant before beginning harmful operations. The analysis occurs on the device through the Android private compute core, ensuring user data privacy. If the service detects any potential risks, users receive real-time alerts, allowing them to take action immediately.

Google has also introduced a real-time scam detection feature for calls, using on-device AI to monitor common scam indicators during phone conversations. If signs of fraud are detected, such as suspicious questions or high-pressure tactics, the system flags the call and advises users to end the call. Currently, the feature is available in beta through the Phone by Google app for Pixel 6 and newer models, with plans to make it more widely available in the future.

These updates represent Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user security on Android devices, optimizing its tools to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

On the Pixel 9 series, Google’s new Scam Detection feature leverages Gemini Nano, an advanced AI model to identify potential scam calls in real-time. For older Pixel devices—specifically the Pixel 6 through 8a—the feature is available through Google’s on-device machine learning model, which offers similar protection against scams.

Google Play Protect’s live threat detection is also a big leap forward with a new real-time alerting system. If it detects any suspicious activity, users will see an “Unsafe app detected” notification, allowing them to take action immediately. At launch, Google is prioritizing detecting stalkerware – apps that can collect sensitive information without user consent – ​​but plans to expand these capabilities to catch other types of harmful apps over time. Is.

These updates underline Google’s focus on protecting user privacy and device security by using a combination of cutting-edge AI and real-time monitoring to keep Android users safe from both scam calls and harmful apps.