Apple and Google develop new AI-driven audio and calling features

Apple’s iPhone features a sound recognition tool designed to enhance accessibility and daily convenience. The function uses the device’s microphone to monitor ambient noises such as fire alarms, doorbells, sirens, or a baby crying. When a selected sound is detected, the device sends a notification accompanied by a vibration. To protect user privacy, the audio analysis is performed directly on the device rather than being sent to external servers.

Separately, code discovered within Google’s Phone app suggests a forthcoming AI feature internally named ‘Hedwig’. This function, potentially powered by Gemini, would allow the assistant to place calls to customer service lines and wait on hold for the user. The AI would navigate automated voice menus and notify the user once a human representative is available. While the feature offers options like live transcription and speaker monitoring, Google has not yet officially announced a deployment schedule or specific device compatibility.