The Google Lookup feature has appeared in the Android codebase and it seems like it may be the solution to a problem we have been plagued with for a long time.
We’ve all experienced those moments: your phone rings, displaying an unknown number. A split-second decision follows – should you answer or let it ring out? Those mystery callers can be harmless telemarketers, but they could also be something more dubious.
It looks like Google may be developing a solution to take the guesswork and potential worry out of unknown calls. Rumors are swirling about a new ‘Google Lookup’ button for Android phones. Let’s explore what this might mean.
What is the Google Lookup button?
While not officially confirmed by Google, glimpses of this potential feature have been spotted within Android’s codebase. Early information suggests that the ‘Google Lookup’ button would appear directly on your call screen when an unknown number calls.
Rather than simply ignoring the call or taking a risk by answering, this button could open up a quick search powered by Google. The idea is to give you a better sense of who might be calling before you choose to interact.
See AssembleDebug‘s post on X about this new feature below.
Google Pixel Phone app to get 'Lookup' feature to identify recent unknown callers and some UI tweaks for the emergency in-call screen
Read – https://t.co/QSHpOqzlV1
🏳️ Flags are shared in the post for rooted users ✓#Google #Android pic.twitter.com/gIMJhT8dNX
— AssembleDebug (@AssembleDebug) April 5, 2024
How might Google Lookup work?
Google has the power of…well, Google, behind it. Here’s how ‘Google Lookup’ might gather information about your mystery caller:
- Public business listings: If the incoming number belongs to a registered business, Google could pull up details like their name, address, and even their website.
- Public records: Google may be able to tap into public records databases to see if the number has any known associations.
- Online reporting forums: Websites dedicated to identifying spam and scam phone numbers could be a potential resource for a ‘Google Lookup’ search result
The idea behind Google lookup
While spam calls are a frustrating reality, ‘Google Lookup’ isn’t aiming to eliminate them entirely. The core goal seems to be providing you with more context. Imagine knowing whether a call is likely a harmless telemarketer or potentially a scam attempt.
This added knowledge would make answering (or ignoring!) your phone a more accurate decision.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves…
Remember, this is still a rumored feature for now. There’s no guarantee Google will fully develop or release ‘Google Lookup’. And, even if they do, it’s early to speculate how reliable or extensive the information provided will be. It may be a handy tool, but it’s not likely to be a perfect guard against unwanted calls.
If the ‘Google Lookup’ button appears on your Android phone in the future, it could bring a welcome level of transparency to our phones, offering us a bit more control over who we choose to engage with.
Featured image credit: NordWood Themes/Unsplash
