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MOBILE phone users will notice a new call alert appearing on their screens that should not be overlooked.
A new urgent indicator is being introduced, which informs you if a friend or family member needs you to answer immediately.
Be on the lookout for the new ‘it’s urgent’ alertCredit: Google
Called Call Reason, this feature is compatible only with Android and works exclusively between saved contacts.
Imagine you’re in a time-sensitive situation—perhaps an emergency involving a family member—and you need the person you’re calling to answer right away.
If the recipient is busy in a work meeting, they would typically send your call to voicemail.
With this new feature, however, a button will allow you to mark the call as urgent.
This will display a red siren icon and a notification stating “it’s urgent” on the recipient’s screen, increasing the chances that they will answer promptly.
If they still miss the call, the urgent indicator will show up in their call history as a reminder to return the call as soon as possible.
The Call Reason feature is currently in beta testing but will soon be available for all Android users.
And that’s not the only new feature Android has to offer.
The Google-owned operating system has also introduced a new method to combat scams.
You can now utilize the company’s innovative Circle to Search tool to investigate any suspicious chats or texts.
Simply activate it—usually by pressing the home button—and draw a rough circle around the text message.
Google will then analyze it to inform you whether it is likely a scam.
How to Protect Yourself from Scams
By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid falling victim to scams:
- Firstly, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
- Ensure brands are “verified” on their Facebook and Twitter pages—this means the company has a blue verification tick on its profile.
- Watch for grammatical and spelling errors; scammers often struggle with proper English. If you receive a message from a “friend” about a free offer, consider whether it matches your friend’s usual writing style.
- If you’re invited to click on a URL, hover over the link to check the destination address—does it look authentic?
- To be extra cautious, avoid clicking on unsolicited links in messages, even if they seem to come from a trusted contact.
- Be wary when opening email attachments as well. Scammers increasingly attach files, typically PDFs or spreadsheets, that may contain harmful malware.
- If you receive a suspicious message, report it to the company, block the sender, and delete the message.
What is the Call Reason feature?
The Call Reason feature allows users to mark calls as urgent, which notifies the recipient with a red siren icon and an “it’s urgent” message to encourage them to answer promptly.
How can I protect myself from scams?
To protect yourself from scams, remember to verify the authenticity of messages, avoid clicking on unsolicited links, and report any suspicious activity to the relevant companies.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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