Google working on Truecaller-like feature to identify unknown callers

Google may soon bring a new Truecaller-like feature to allow users to look up a phone number from the recent calls. It is called ‘Lookup’ and is currently available in Google Phone’s beta version, available on Pixel and phones from other brands as the default dialler app. Its core functionality lets users search for an unknown phone number that has just called from the recent calls screen on Google Search.

According to a report by PiunikaWeb, citing the information from an X user AssembleDebug, the latest beta version of the Google Phone app has the ‘Lookup’ option right next to other existing options such as ‘Block’ and ‘History’. Tapping the option will perform a Google search for the unknown number to see who it belongs to. It will be helpful for people who otherwise have to go through the painstaking process of copying and pasting numbers to avoid spam calls by checking them first.

Inspired by Truecaller?

Truecaller has been offering the same facility for years, meaning the Google Phone feature is quite late. Instead of using data from the internet, Truecaller relies on its database built through manual entries and phonebooks across devices. It is mostly accurate because the information of an unknown caller comes from different sources, whereas Google Search may or may not provide the actual information about the caller. However, it could be useful to identify calls from businesses who have provided their contact details on Google. Since Google has not officially announced the feature, it is currently unclear how exactly the feature would work, but it will more or less be the same thing as Truecaller.

Nevertheless, the built-in option to look up a phone number on the internet will give users a convenient way to avoid spoofed phone numbers, which have begun to appear like genuine ones. In addition to the Lookup option, the Google Phone app will also feature some tweaks in the interface, according to the report. These upcoming changes are currently available in the Google Phone app beta version 127.0.620688474 through manual activation of two new flags. The process requires a rooted phone, as well, which is why regular users should not try out the Lookup feature unless it becomes available under the stable channel.