Android Updates

December 16, 2025, 10:10 AM EST. Google's Phone app is beta-testing a feature called Expressive Calling that lets you explain why you're calling and mark calls as urgent. When you place a call, you can indicate urgency, and the recipient will see an urgent label with a siren emoji. Depending on the device's Do Not Disturb settings, urgent calls may still ring or appear as important. If not answered, the urgent label stays in the call log. The feature aims to avoid permanent whitelisting and missed emergencies, though misuse concerns remain. Availability is limited to beta testers; both caller and receiver must have the feature. To join, go to Settings > Google services > All services > Privacy & Security > System services and look for a Join beta option.