Google backports 'take a message' to older pixels – ai greetings now available on 6 series

Google is staging a surprising nostalgia raid, retrofitting the sophisticated ‘Take a Message’ voicemail feature – originally launched on the Pixel 10 line – onto a surprisingly broad range of older Pixel devices.

Pixel 6 to 10 now get ai-powered voicemail

The move, a testament to Google’s backporting prowess, extends the feature to the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold. This brings a significant AI enhancement – custom greetings – to devices that previously lacked access to the Tensor G5 application processor’s capabilities.

Initially, the ‘Take a Message’ feature utilized the Google Assistant’s voice to deliver a standard greeting. Now, users can record their own personalized messages, up to 60 seconds in length, offering a level of customization previously unavailable on older models. The system employs the same AI engine as ‘Call Screen,’ effectively shielding inboxes from the deluge of spam calls. It’s a pragmatic update, addressing user feedback and maximizing the utility of existing hardware.

The backporting revelation

The decision to backport this feature, particularly to the Pixel 6 and 5, reveals a strategic shift. Earlier attempts to implement ‘Take a Message’ on the non-Tensor Pixels 4 and 5 encountered privacy issues relating to microphone access. This latest iteration demonstrates a renewed commitment to bringing premium AI experiences to a wider user base, regardless of processor generation. It’s a clever workaround, sidestepping potential regulatory concerns while delivering a genuinely useful feature.

Beyond the standard greeting

The process for recording custom greetings is remarkably straightforward. Simply open the Phone app, navigate to Settings> Take a Message> Manage greetings, and tap the microphone icon. A 3-2-1 countdown initiates the recording. The interface clearly indicates a notification to look for, prompting users to ‘Try it out’ and access the feature directly. This seamless integration minimizes friction and encourages adoption.

A glimpse of the future – magic cue?

While the backport of ‘Take a Message’ is noteworthy, the ambition extends beyond mere feature replication. The potential for backporting features like ‘Magic Cue’ – an AI-powered system designed to proactively offer relevant information based on screen context – represents a bolder, more transformative prospect for older Pixel devices. While the hardware limitations of the original Tensor AP may currently preclude its implementation on the Pixel 6, the success of this backporting strategy suggests that Google isn't ruling out similar endeavors in the future. It’s a tantalizing glimpse into a more intuitive and responsive Pixel experience – one that could dramatically reshape how users interact with their smartphones.