Recent reports suggest that Google is finally gearing up to bring its Pixel Call Screening feature to India, nearly seven years after its initial launch in 2018. This move comes as a welcome relief to Pixel enthusiasts in India who have long awaited this feature, especially considering India's massive mobile user base and the rampant issue of spam calls.

The evidence pointing towards this development comes from an APK teardown of the "Phone by Google" app, revealing internal files that strongly indicate Call Screening is being developed for the Indian market. These files include Hindi audio assets related to Call Screening and its smart reply functionality, suggesting a localized approach.

Call Screening is a valuable tool that allows users to identify callers and their reasons for calling before answering, helping to avoid unwanted spam and scam calls. It uses AI to provide smart replies during calls, enabling users to respond quickly without speaking.

Interestingly, the Indian version of Call Screening might differ from the automatic version available in the US. Reports suggest that Google may opt for a manual screening method in India, where users would need to tap a "Screen call" button upon receiving a call to initiate the screening process. This could be due to regulatory hurdles or to accommodate the diverse linguistic landscape of India.

In a previous interview, Google's VP of Devices & Services Business for APAC, Mike Abary, acknowledged the absence of Call Screening in India and stated that the company was actively working to bring the feature to the country. He attributed the delay to policy-related hurdles rather than technical challenges.

The potential launch of Call Screening in India is significant for several reasons:

• Combating Spam Calls: India is one of the most affected countries by spam calls, with millions reported daily. Call Screening can help users filter these unwanted calls, saving time and preventing potential scams.
• Enhanced User Experience: Pixel users in India have been missing out on a key feature available in other markets. Bringing Call Screening to India will enhance the overall Pixel experience and make it more competitive.
• AI-Powered Assistance: Call Screening utilizes AI to identify callers and suggest appropriate responses, providing a smart and efficient way to manage incoming calls.
• Localization Efforts: The inclusion of Hindi language support in the Call Screening feature demonstrates Google's commitment to localizing its services for the Indian market. However, given that India has 22 officially recognized languages, Google may face challenges in providing comprehensive language support.

While there's no official confirmation from Google regarding the launch date or specific details of Call Screening in India, the recent findings suggest that it could be arriving soon. It remains to be seen whether Google will launch the feature with support for multiple Indian languages and whether it will be the manual or automatic version. Nevertheless, the prospect of Call Screening finally coming to Pixel phones in India is a positive step towards providing a safer and more user-friendly mobile experience.