Google is developing an Android Phone app feature that could allow users to specify the urgency of calls, including an “emergency” option designed to override “Do Not Disturb” settings.
This innovation, discovered through code analysis of a recent app version, aims to ensure critical communication reaches users even when their devices are silenced. The “Emergency” call option allows urgent incoming calls to produce sound and vibrations, bypassing the “Do Not Disturb” mode.
If an urgent call goes unanswered, the system is designed to display a distinct “Lost Emergency Call” alert in the notification panel, distinguishing it from standard missed calls.
The functionality works by enabling callers to select a specific “Call Reason” before initiating a call. This chosen reason is then transmitted to the recipient via text message infrastructure, providing context on the incoming call screen or notification panel.
Beyond emergency notifications, users will have other ready-to-use phrases available. These include options like “Chat,” “News to share,” or “Quick question,” aimed at helping recipients decide whether to answer.
The Google Phone app will require permission to send SMS messages to facilitate this contextual transmission. The feature is internally referred to as “expresso” and “Expressive Call.”
It remains unclear when Google plans to launch this new functionality for Android devices or what its final version will entail.
Initial deployment is expected to be exclusive to Google Pixel smartphones. Future availability on other Android devices is yet to be determined.