BGR Lists 5 Pixel 10 Setup Tips for 6.3-Inch Phone Owners

Q: As AI deepfake scams rise, how does Google's new 'fake call detection' feature actually verify a caller's true identity?

Google’s new fake call detection does not prove identity by analyzing a caller’s voice. It verifies whether the call is coming from the real contact’s device through a silent, encrypted device-to-device check. When a saved contact calls, their phone sends a real-time confirmation signal to the recipient’s phone. If that signal arrives, the call is treated as coming from the legitimate device. If it does not, the recipient’s phone assumes the number may have been spoofed and automatically checks with the contact’s actual device. If the real device responds that it is not placing a call, Google shows an on-screen warning telling the user the call may be fake and advising them to hang up. That is the core defense against deepfake scams: it catches cases where criminals clone a voice and spoof a trusted number, but do not control the real phone tied to that contact. The system relies on end-to-end encrypted RCS-based signaling and works at the device level, not by trying to judge whether a voice sounds authentic. That matters because voice cloning can be convincing, while device authentication is harder for scammers to fake. There are limits. Both people generally need compatible Android phones and Google’s apps, including Phone by Google, with the feature rolling out first on Pixel and other Android 12+ devices. So it is best understood as an added verification layer, not a universal guarantee of identity.

3 articles · Updated · Boy Genius Report · Jul 12

Five setup steps for new Google Pixel users center on updating Android first, then moving contacts, photos and settings from an old iPhone or Android device.
Google’s built-in safety and call tools make up the most practical changes: Emergency SOS can call 911 after five power-button presses, while Call Screen and Scam Detection help filter spam.
Accessibility options are another early priority, with the Accessibility Menu adding shortcut controls, larger buttons and easier navigation for users who need constant assistive features.
Widgets round out the list by letting Pixel owners customize home screens with app information, smart-home controls and resizable shortcuts on devices such as the 6.3-inch Pixel 10.