Google has taken action to address a bug affecting some older Pixel devices by disabling certain Phone app features. The issue, which resulted in audio leakage to callers, has been linked to the Take a Message feature introduced last year on Pixel 4 and 5 phones. This feature automatically answers and transcribes voicemails when users miss a call.
According to a statement from Google community manager Siri Tejaswini, the bug affects a very small subset of Pixel 4 and 5 devices under specific circumstances. As a precautionary measure, Google is temporarily disabling the Take a Message and next-gen Call Screen features on these devices.
One Reddit user reported that their microphone activated unexpectedly, allowing callers to hear ambient sounds while leaving a voicemail. This behavior was triggered by the Take a Message feature, causing concern among affected users.
Google has not confirmed whether these features will be permanently removed or reinstated in the future. In the meantime, impacted Pixel owners can utilize manual and automatic Call Screening options or resort to their carrier’s voicemail services.
Source: The Verge