Is Google preparing to bring Pixel Call Screening to India after 7 years?

Google is gearing up to introduce its Call Screening feature for Pixel smartphones in India, nearly seven years since its initial launch in the United States. Recent reports indicate that the tech giant is actively working on rolling out this highly awaited functionality, though users in India may initially experience a limited version of the service. The Call Screening feature utilizes artificial intelligence to help users manage incoming calls, identifying callers and providing on-screen suggestions for responses. This tool has gained popularity among Pixel users in various countries as an effective means to filter out spam and unknown numbers. However, an APK teardown of the Google Phone app conducted by Android Authority suggests that Indian users might not receive the full automated service immediately. The app's internal code includes references that hint at Hindi language support and localization for India, such as “hi_in.” Additionally, the string “enableIndiaManualScreeningOnlyMode” implies that the feature may initially operate in a manual mode, requiring users to tap a 'Screen call' button when receiving calls and select from pre-set replies instead of allowing Google's Assistant to handle the screening automatically. This limited rollout could potentially be attributed to regulatory challenges, with Google seemingly waiting for the necessary approvals before officially launching the feature. While it remains unclear if the service will support multiple Indian languages or be restricted to English and Hindi for the time being, the signs are promising. Moreover, this isn't the first indication of Google's intent to expand Call Screening in India. Earlier in January 2024, a tech enthusiast managed to enable the feature on a rooted OnePlus 7 by installing a Hindi language pack, indicating that backend development for Indian users has been ongoing. Although Google has yet to provide an official timeline for the feature's launch, the latest developments strongly suggest that Indian Pixel users may soon be able to access a version of Call Screening, albeit in a more manual format.