Google Fi Adds RCS Messaging & AI Audio

Google Fi, its telecoms service, with wireless phone plans will soon get a number of enhancements and new features, such as an updated web calls and messages interface that fully supports RCS messaging and AI noise filters, the company stated on Tuesday. This is allowing you to share high-quality images and videos in message threads even when your phone is far away. It is anticipated that this feature will be free of charge starting in early December.

Improvements are being made to call quality, particularly in situations when you may be difficult to hear over background noise in a noisy setting. Midway through November, Google Fi will begin utilising Google AI to automatically eliminate undesirable sounds and improve and amplify voices on both ends of a connection, even if one party is using an outdated mobile or a landline. The feature can be completely disabled, but the filters will be applied automatically.

Even when talking to someone on a landline or an older device, the tech giant claims that calls will now use AI-enhanced audio to boost speech clarity and eliminate background noise. The change, according to the business, should enable “more natural-sounding conversations.”

Although users will have the choice to disable the feature, it will be activated automatically. AI-powered audio will be available starting next month. 

Regarding RCS online messaging, Google is creating a new interface for its “Messages for web” integration that fully supports RCS for exchanging high-resolution images and videos within message threads. December will see the release of the upgrade.

Google Fi’s Wi-Fi Auto Connect+ feature, which places users on premium Wi-Fi to improve connection reliability in congested areas like malls and airports, is now becoming more widely available.

The Senior Product Manager at Google Fi Wireless, Jane Harnett, stated in a blog post, “We’re expanding availability of this feature to millions of locations, including participating shopping malls and stores, as well as supported major airports like LAX, ORD, and JFK.” It is provided at no additional cost and operates automatically. Furthermore, when using premium Wi-Fi, we are the only major carrier that automatically encrypts your internet activity.

The W+ icon in the status bar indicates that a user is connected via Wi-Fi Auto Connect+, according to the business.

In order to strengthen your mobile data connection in interior locations with poor cellular coverage, Google Fi is now making its Wi-Fi Auto Connect Plus feature more widely available. This feature automatically connects your phone to “select secure, high quality Wi-Fi networks.” Now, the function will be accessible at “tens of millions of locations” around the United States, including major airports like LAX, ORD, and JFK, as well as retail centres and retail establishments. It only works with Pixel 5a and later smartphones, however it is free and uses a VPN to protect data.

HD calling, which is now available on Google Fi, will be indicated on the calling screen when it is enabled. VoLTE, VoNR, or WFC-capable networks must be used by all parties.

In the meanwhile, Google Fi will now use AI-enhanced audio when you’re on a call. For discussions to seem more realistic, Google AI will “automatically filter out distracting background noise and clarify voices on both ends of the queue.” The Google Fi app will have the option to disable this starting next month.

The Google Fi app will now offer customised AI-powered summaries that describe charges, monthly adjustments, and how plan modifications may impact future expenses, and how “plan adjustments” may impact future payments, making customers’ monthly bills easier to grasp, according to Google’s announcement.

Google Fi announced on Tuesday that it is starting a limited-time promotion for new customers who bring a phone and sign up for the service’s “Unlimited Essentials” or “Unlimited Plan,” offering 50% off for 15 months. More details and information can be gotten here.