Now you'll know why that random number is calling on Google's Phone app
It's one thing to know who's calling or that it's likely a spam call, but now some Android users on Google's Phone app will know a lot more about why a particular business is bothering to ring them.
Google recently updated its Phone app to included Verified Calls, which identify who is calling and also a reason for the call when coming from certain businesses. Google's support site explains that you'll see the business logo and name along with a call reason, "like 'Scheduling your internet installation' or 'Your food delivery.'" Suddenly, picking up that unknown number isn't as nerve-wracking.
The calls go through Google's Verified Calls server, so participating businesses can share that info with you and maybe make it more likely you'll actually answer. Businesses that don't share this info obviously won't be able to give you a good reason why they're calling unless you do pick up.
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Google turns the setting on by default, but if you like the mystery you can turn it off. The company assures users that all information from these calls stays private.
The feature, while limited for now, is a glimpse into how calls from unknown numbers could change in a more connected future.
Topics Google
Sasha is a news writer at Mashable's San Francisco office. She's an SF native who went to UC Davis and later received her master's from the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. She's been reporting out of her hometown over the years at Bay City News (news wire), SFGate (the San Francisco Chronicle website), and even made it out of California to write for the Chicago Tribune. She's been described as a bookworm and a gym rat.
