Android adds caller ID safeguards and new Android Auto tools for drivers

Android’s built‑in Caller ID feature, integrated into Google’s Phone app, now flags likely spam, fraud or suspicious numbers by comparing incoming calls with an up‑to‑date database. Users can enable or disable the service in the app’s settings, but activation sends call‑metadata to Google servers, raising a privacy trade‑off. The feature, available on devices running Android 6.0 or later, also allows users to report spam numbers, improving protection for the broader community.

In Italy, authorities have tightened rules on smartphone use while driving. Law 173 of the traffic code criminalises distractions that pull drivers’ hands from the wheel, imposing fines of €250‑€1,000 and license suspensions of up to two months. Guides recommend mounting the phone on a short‑arm suction cup, windshield or dashboard near the driver’s line of sight, avoiding placement over airbags, mirrors or the windshield wiper area. Magnetic mounts require a metal plate that may interfere with wireless charging, while clamp‑type mounts offer greater stability on rough roads.

Android Auto users can expand functionality beyond navigation and music with three lesser‑known apps. TomTom offers offline 3‑D maps and real‑time traffic alerts, useful where data connectivity is limited. Fuelio tracks fuel purchases, calculates consumption and suggests nearby stations with better prices. Calm provides nature sounds, breathing exercises and short mindfulness sessions to reduce stress during long trips. All three integrate with the car’s display, letting drivers access the information hands‑free.