Google is introducing a new capability to its Phone application, dubbed "Expressive Calling," which gives users the ability to flag a call as important. This new function is currently being tested by some participants in the beta program for Google's Phone app.

The core purpose is to provide context for incoming calls, helping the recipient understand the importance of answering promptly. When a caller chooses to label their call this way, the person receiving it will be shown a large "It's urgent!" alert. The notification, which appears when the phone rings, also features an animated siren emoji.

How Urgent Calls Work

For the system to function at the moment, both individuals in the conversation must the beta release of the Google Phone app installed. When placing a call, eligible users will see an option on their screen to "Mark call as urgent?" before the call connects.

A key aspect of this system is its ability to interact with the Do Not Disturb (DND) setting. Based on the recipient's settings, an important call can be configured to override the DND mode. This makes certain the device will ring or vibrate for these critical notifications. If an urgent call is missed, it remains specially marked in the device's call history. (Source: androidcentral.com)

Availability and Potential Concerns

This new capability builds upon a concept Google previously explored called "Call Reason," which had a similar goal of adding context to phone calls. The rollout is currently limited to the beta channel, suggesting that Google is still testing the feature and gathering feedback before a potential wider release to all Android users.

Concerns have been raised about the potential for misuse, where the "urgent" status could be overused and ultimately lose its meaning. Google's cautious, beta-first approach may be a way to monitor this behavior and refine the system. Users in the beta program can check for the feature by navigating to Phone Settings, selecting General, and then looking for the "Expressive Calling" menu. (Source: androidpolice.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Would you find a feature that flags calls as urgent useful in your daily life? Do you have concerns that people might abuse the urgent call status? Should there be limits on how often a person can mark a call as urgent?