Google Pixel Users Could Soon Get a Lookup Feature to Identify Unknown Callers: Report

Google is reportedly working to bring a new feature in its Phone app for Pixel users that will let them look up unknown numbers to identify them. The feature, dubbed Lookup, was earlier introduced to Pixel devices in Japan with the March Feature Drop, but it was not released outside the region. As per the report, Google could now be aiming to bring the feature to its smartphones globally. Notably, a report last month stated that Google is also testing a new Phone app feature that integrates WhatsApp call logs and carrier calls on the same screen.

According to a report by PiunikaWeb (via AssembleDebug), the strings of code corresponding to the feature were spotted in the Google Phone app beta version 127.0.620688474. The Lookup feature is seen when a user taps on a number that is not saved in contacts. It uses web searches to find the source of a phone number.

As per the screenshot shared by the tipster on X (formerly known as Twitter), the Lookup icon shows up after the Add contact, Message, and History icons as the fourth item on the list. The report highlights that upon tapping on the feature, a bottom panel opens up that allows users to choose from apps that can look up the number on the web. Google Search is one of the options, and when using it, the feature directly searches it on the web.

This feature is intended for phone numbers that are associated with a business as they are likely to be found on the internet. It does not appear to be for numbers for personal use as they are unlikely to be available publicly on the web. Further, this feature currently does not integrate any caller ID apps such as Truecaller, which is more focused towards identifying phone numbers belonging to individuals.

There is no word on when this feature may be rolled out to Pixel smartphone users globally, however, the report speculates that it could be released with the June Feature Drop. Further, it is not likely to be introduced to Android smartphone users any time soon, as is the case with most Pixel-exclusive features.


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Google Phone App May Soon Show WhatsApp Call History and Get Video Calling Shortcut

Google might be testing two new features for its Phone app. Reportedly, the Google Phone app now shows WhatsApp call history integrated with normal calls. Some users have also seen a new video call shortcut on the call screen, which redirects the call to Google Meet. These new features appear to have been rolled out to a small batch of users who had signed up for the tech giant’s Android Beta Program. Recently, the company rolled out a couple of new features for Google Drive as well.

The two features were collectively reported by 9to5Google based on posts from other users on X (formerly known as Twitter). The report claims that the feature has begun popping up on Pixel phones and some other devices. The WhatsApp call history feature was spotted by the user @Kishore9196 who also posted a screenshot of his call history.

In the screenshot, call logs can be seen on the Google Phone app. One particular call was labelled ‘WhatsApp’ where the carrier and channel information is shown. All the other usual options including calling, video calling, messaging, and history were also visible in the log. This indicates that Google might be working on creating an integrated call log, however, whether the support is only extended to WhatsApp or if other messaging apps such as Telegram and Signal will also be included is not known.

Replying to a comment, the user also confirmed that he is a beta tester and was running Google Phone v124.0.608164421-publicbeta and Whatsapp 2.24.6.6. Interestingly, the integrated call log feature has been available on iOS for quite some time.

The second feature was shared by tipster Mishaal Rahman with other users confirming it. Rahman said, “The Phone by Google app is starting to show a new “video call” chip during phone calls for some users. Tapping this chip opens a page that lets you quickly invite the person you’re calling to a Google Meet call.” The feature was spotted on Google Pixel 5a while also running a beta version of the Phone app. While the app already allows users to make Google Meet calls this shortcut apparently lets users switch to the video calling app while on the calling screen.


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