Tech Note

Google is attempting to make Android phone calls “clear calling.”

enhancing the smartphone’s “phone”.Mishaal Rahman on Twitter was the first to notice the new “clear calling” function, which “reduces background noises during calls,” and he even provided instructions on how to enable it for yourself without rooting, if you’re feeling brave.

Clear Calling is available “on most mobile networks,” “not available for Wi-Fi calling,” and “content from your call is not forwarded to Google,” according to the photos posted by Rahman.

For a time now, Google has been showing off its noise-cancelling prowess (along with its unique six-core audio chips). The first, and most impressive, is by utilizing AI to muffle background noises in Google Meet, such as the clicking of keyboards, the crackling of food bags, and the barking of dogs. Recently, the $199 Pixel Buds Pro, the company’s first active noise-canceling earphones, were released.

Not bad for a first attempt, now let’s see how Google does with regular old phone calls. My colleague Chris Welch, who knows more about noise-canceling technology (and unannounced Sonos speakers) than anyone I know, called the ANC on the Pixel Buds Pro, “more than competent — even if it won’t be bumping Sony or Bose from the top of the mountain.”