Google is removing the “Nearby Locations” feature from the Google Phone app, a function that “allows business name searches to be entered into the Phone app to provide business phone number results beyond your contacts.” This change comes as Google has observed that only a few users actually utilize this feature while most people turn to Google Search or Maps for business-related phone numbers. While some users found Nearby Places convenient, it was not as accurate as Google Maps. According to Google, users can easily fulfill the same needs by entering the name of a local business in Google Search or Google Maps, which offer more comprehensive information beyond just phone numbers, such as addresses/directions and website details. Removing this feature will enable the team to prioritize the development of more advanced and reliable calling features. On Pixel phones, Google highlights the new Call Screen feature that allows users to inquire if a call is urgent. Additionally, notes are now available on the Pixel Watch. In 2023, Hold For Me and Direct My Call will expand to more countries. Looking ahead, Google has revealed that there are more plans for 2024, with the team working on implementing and enhancing more call support features throughout the year. The “Proximity” feature will be disabled “in the coming months” for regular users of the Google Phone app. In the latest beta version (version 122), the Proximity feature and related settings are no longer visible. However, the search page still displays “Search contacts & site.”
