The 9to5Google team discovered code snippets in the latest beta version of the Phone by Google app that suggest a wider range of features are on the way. Details are scarce, but the names of the variables are pretty clear in the code and the text itself. One string is called “AI Answers,” and the font style tells us it’s a heading. The other is “Enable AI Responses?” so presumably a toggle will be available.
Contextual responses are one of the best aspects of the Google Pixel experience. The feature allows you to answer calls without actually answering them. Google Assistant voice allows you to ask why the caller is calling and respond with a generated answer based on certain keywords. For example, if someone calls to confirm an appointment, you can respond with “I’ll confirm.”
This is a great feature, especially if you don’t like talking on the phone. The Contextual Responses update could take the feature to the next level with AI responses.
The setting isn’t there yet, and the code may be in beta, but that doesn’t mean the feature will be part of the next update. It does confirm, however, that Google is considering expanding the contextual calling feature to allow Gemini to respond. While it’s already possible to answer calls with simple prompts like “Please check” or “Thank you,” AI responses should greatly expand the variety and quality of responses you can choose from.
Who knows where the possibilities will lead after that. Maybe one day a Gemini will make an appointment or reservation for you. Of course, this feature may never be released — you shouldn’t celebrate the night before, after all — but we’re hopeful it will be rolled out soon.
