The Google Pixel Watch 2 and 3 are already among the best smartwatches, but now, Google decked them out with another handy feature. Google is adding Scam Detection to its watches, enhancing security without making you pull your phone out of your pocket.
We all deal with scam calls on a regular basis, and Google’s Scam Detection is just one way tech companies try to combat the nuisance (and safety hazard) of these calls. This tool listens to calls and uses AI to detect conversation patterns that scammers have been known to use. If something sounds shady, Scam Detection will send you a notification accompanied by a sound and vibration.
This feature was previously limited to Pixel Phones, but now, Google is bringing it to the Pixel Watch 2 and 3. This means that you’ll be able to safely answer the call on your watch and still benefit from Scam Protection in real time, during the conversation. Of course, the feature isn’t entirely accurate and scammer tactics evolve every single day, but it’s definitely better than nothing.
Of course, the feature isn’t available to every single user. You’ll need a Pixel 9 phone or later, and it needs to be paired with the Google Pixel Watch 2 or 3, and this will only work if the two devices are paired via Bluetooth. Moreover, Scam Detection is only available in the U.S. during conversations in English.
As explained by TechRadar, you can turn on Scam Detection on your Pixel Phone and Watch by heading to the Settings — it’s tucked away under Scam Detection. You’ll know the feature is enabled because it’ll beep right at the start of the call and every now and then during the conversation.
For many, this feature might not be too meaningful, but it saves you having to take your phone out of your pocket when you’re not sure about a particular number. Scam Detection or not, it’s always important to stay vigilant, as new scams are detected every single week.
The OnePlus Buds Clip are a new pair of open-ear earbuds built around a simple convenience. They join Sony’s LinkBuds Clip in the growing ear-cuff category, but either OnePlus bud can go on either ear.
Sensors recognize how the earbuds are being worn and route the audio channels accordingly. There’s no label to check before putting them on, and the feature also works when only one bud is used.
We buy fitness bands and activity trackers to keep tabs on our exercise, but it is easy to forget to start tracking or switch modes when moving between different activities. For Fitbit and Pixel Watch users, that could soon become a lot less annoying, as Google is rolling out a major upgrade to automatic activity tracking that can recognize more than 100 types of exercise, up from just 10 before.
Google first showed off the improved tracking earlier this month alongside the Fitbit Edge. It is now coming to Fitbit Air and the Pixel Watch 3, 4, and 5, and Google claims the added context behind the system makes workout detection nearly twice as accurate while cutting missed activities by more than half. Fitbit Edge will support it too.