Google Fi Upgrades Calls and Messages with AI
▼ Summary
– Google Fi is introducing AI-enhanced audio for calls to reduce background noise and improve voice clarity, rolling out next month with an option to disable it.
– RCS web messaging is being updated with full support for sharing high-resolution photos and videos in message threads, scheduled for a December release.
– The Wi-Fi Auto Connect+ feature is expanding to millions of locations, including major airports and malls, providing automatic, secure connections at no extra cost.
– The Google Fi app will offer personalized AI-powered summaries to explain charges, monthly changes, and potential cost impacts from plan adjustments.
– A limited-time promotion offers new subscribers 50% off for 15 months on certain unlimited plans when they bring their own phone.
Google Fi is enhancing its telecommunications platform with a suite of new features designed to improve call quality, messaging capabilities, and connectivity. These updates leverage artificial intelligence and expanded network support to deliver a more seamless and reliable user experience.
Calls placed through Google Fi will soon benefit from AI-powered audio enhancement, which actively reduces background noise and sharpens voice clarity. This technology aims to make conversations sound more natural, even when the person on the other end is using a traditional landline or an older mobile device. The feature will be activated by default for all users starting next month, though individuals will have the option to disable it if they prefer.
On the messaging front, the service is upgrading its “Messages for web” interface with full RCS (Rich Communication Services) support. This December update will enable users to exchange high-resolution photos and videos directly within their web-based message threads, providing a richer communication experience similar to modern smartphone messaging apps.
Connectivity is also receiving a significant boost. Google Fi is broadening the reach of its Wi-Fi Auto Connect+ feature, which automatically switches users to premium, high-quality Wi-Fi networks in congested areas. The service is expanding to cover millions of new locations, including major airports such as LAX, ORD, and JFK, as well as numerous participating shopping malls and retail stores. This feature operates automatically and is included at no additional charge. A unique advantage highlighted by the company is that Google Fi is the only major carrier to automatically encrypt your online activity when connected to these premium Wi-Fi networks. Users can identify when they are on a Wi-Fi Auto Connect+ network by spotting the W+ icon in their device’s status bar.
Further integrating AI into the customer experience, the Google Fi app will now provide personalized, AI-generated summaries. These summaries break down monthly charges, explain any changes to the bill, and illustrate how potential adjustments to a user’s plan could impact future costs.
In conjunction with these announcements, Google Fi is running a special promotion for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who bring their own phone and sign up for either the “Unlimited Essentials” or “Unlimited Plan” will receive a 50% discount on their service for 15 months.
(Source: TechCrunch)
