- Google is bringing its phone app to more Android phones from this week.
- Verified calls for spam and scam are also running on the screen.
- Call checking will initially be available in the US, Brazil, India, Mexico and Spain.
After much testing, Google's new phone app is reaching a wider audience - and it can help you deal with a flood of spam calls. The internet giant has confirmed that the Google Phone app is coming with "even more" Android hardware this weekend, as well as verified calls.
Verified calls are not like other call verification systems, which primarily check that the listed phone number is the actual source of the call. Google's approach instead shows that it has verified a business or institution. You'll find out if this is really your bank calling, for example. Callers can also provide reasons that will appear on your screen, such as a food order.
Read more: How to block spam calls on your Android phone
The facility will initially be available in the US, Brazil, India, Mexico and Spain. Google has not specified the exact devices the new phone app will receive. The facility has been in testing for a few months and will seek the help of partners to establish brands including Bandstand, Newstar and Wonz.
In addition, verified SMS comes less than a year later, and broadly pursues similar goals. This can help you ignore spam and scam calls, but it also gives you a reason to use the Google Phone app instead of a third-party dialer. It can convince you to not only stick to Android, but also to phones that more closely reflect Google's vision.
It may also be more shops collaborating with Google. If people are more likely to answer calls from verified businesses, companies can use Google's services more often. This can be good news for you - don't be surprised if your favorite restaurant or store is easy to contact online.