Google has made a useful new feature called "Take a Message" available for many Pixel phones, not just the new Pixel 10 series. This helps you when you miss or cannot answer a phone call. Instead of just a voicemail, it lets the caller leave a voice message that your phone records and turns into text for you to read. You can play back the recorded voice message whenever you like.
Right now, this feature works on Pixel phones starting from Pixel 4 and newer. It is available only in some countries like the US, UK, Ireland, and Australia. Most phone networks support it, but one called Dish does not work with it yet. Some people with Pixel 9 phones have already started to get this feature, and Google will bring it to more Pixel phones soon.
If you have a Pixel Watch 2 or a newer Pixel smartwatch and it is connected to a Pixel 6 or newer phone, you can also use "Take a Message" on your watch. This means you can check your messages from missed calls right on your wrist.
To turn on this feature, you need to update your Phone app to the newest version. Then open the app, go to More, then Settings, and click on "Take a Message" to switch it on. For Pixel Watch users, open the Phone app on your paired phone and do the same steps.
Google also makes sure all these messages stay private on your phone and are not shared or stored online. The Phone app blocks spam calls automatically without needing internet, so junk calls won't bother you.
This feature is very helpful because it makes sure you don’t miss important call messages, even when you can’t pick up the phone. It uses smart tools to give you a quick text version of what the caller said, saving your time and making it easier to decide what to do next.
In short, Google is giving older Pixel phone users access to this smart voice message system. It is part of their plan to improve communication and privacy for all Pixel users, no matter which model they have. This update shows Google’s focus on making its phones smarter and more fun to use, while keeping your information safe and private.