Google just rolled out a new feature for its Phone app called “Expressive Calling.” It’s currently available to beta users and adds some fun elements to your calls.
To see if you have it, check under Phone Settings > General > Expressive Calling. You’ll find a setting that adds visual and haptic feedback, which is on by default. You can choose whether urgent calls can interrupt Do Not Disturb mode.
Both people on the call need to be using the Phone by Google beta (version 203) for this feature to work. When active, the calling screen shows a prompt asking if the call is urgent. The recipient sees a playful “It’s urgent!” message with an animated siren emoji. If they miss the call, it’ll show up as “urgent” in their call history.
This type of feature isn’t just for fun; it can help people reach each other in emergencies. A recent survey found that 75% of smartphone users wish there were better ways to highlight important calls. Features like this address that need.
Additionally, Google is rolling out version 202 of the Phone app to the stable channel, though some tweaks, like a shorter bottom bar and a “Keep portrait mode” option, are still in beta testing. Users are hoping these features become available soon.
As technology evolves, communication methods are becoming more interactive. Experts suggest that these innovations reflect a growing trend of making communication more engaging. Services like Expressive Calling show how tech companies are focusing not just on the act of calling but on enhancing the experience.
For more information about the Phone by Google beta, check out their official page.
