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GOOGLE is reportedly set to release an Android upgrade to screen out irritating cold calls using AI.
The groundbreaking software will apparently be able to recognise different callers and generate custom replies.
Google only just introduced its new Contextual Replies programme in December.
This tool generates automatic replies to a call based on what the call is about.
For example, if the caller attaches a note that they are calling to confirm a doctor's appointment, you will be able to send a message back to give that confirmation at the push of a button.
You can also use more generic replies like 'call me back later' or 'who is calling?'.
Now, according to a report from 9to5Google, the software is about to take its next steps into full AI responses.
Google Pixel phones will reportedly receive AI Replies working in connection with its Call Screen function (informally dubbed Dobby in a reference to the elf in Harry Potter).
Strings of code have been spotted in the beta for version 153 of the phone's operating system.
The new code will seemingly incorporate the new features using Gemini Nano.
Little is known about how it will work, with the string only creating provisions to turn AI Replies on and off.
But it is believed that it will apply the platform of Contextual Replies more widely, using generative AI to expand the software's understanding.
Google has previously suggested that it could introduce what it referred to as "multi-turn conversational AI".
In practice, this would mean that the AI would be able to have lengthy conversations with a caller without you even having to pick up the phone.
It is not clear whether this would require user input, such as choosing between several possible replies, or be done independently, with a record of the conversation delivered to the user afterwards.
Another handy feature could also be screening calls for spam numbers and cold callers, which could then be filtered out before reaching the user.
It comes after experts warned Android users about a bank account attack that can almost completely take over their phones.