Google Pixel and Pixel 2 owners will enjoy new features from the Android 9 Pie update. However, recording phone conversations will not be one of them. 

The latest update has several new features, such as Wi-Fi Direct printing support, Dashboard, Shush! (or the "do not disturb" move), and Wind Down (or a gentle reminder that it's time to sleep). However, the Android 9 Pie completely closed the door on non-root call recording applications.

When Google released its Android 6.0 Marshmallow, it removed the official application programming interface (API) that enabled apps to record calls. Despite this limitation, developers still found an unofficial way to circumvent it.

With the release of its Android 9 Pie, Google has delivered a strong message, although indirectly, regarding recording phone conversations. Various countries have different laws that govern recording phone conversations and Google simply wants to avoid controversies that might affect its business in the future.

Call Recording Apps Can Still Be Installed But...

However, Pixel and Pixel 2 owners can still record their phone conversation, but there's a catch. As an Android phone, there are ways to avoid restrictions, but owners must be willing to sacrifice other apps that might be affected by the process.

Anyone can install a phone conversation recorder by simply rooting their device. According to Bull Guard, rooting is a process that allows the owner to gain access to the root of the Android operating system code. By gaining access to the root, the owner has the privileges to modify the software code on the device or install other software that the manufacturer wouldn't normally allow you to. The equivalent term of rooting for Apple devices is jailbreaking. 

Rooting Can Cause Problems To Phone

After rooting the phone, call conversation apps such as Boldbeast Android Call Recorder and Call Recorder-ACR can be installed on the phone. However, this move comes with a price. While rooting a phone comes with several advantages, Bull Guard said the action also carries several consequences that a phone owner might regret in the future.

Bull Guard said a phone could turn into a brick, or become useless, if its software gets damaged due to a failed rooting process.

In addition, rooting a phone will mean voiding your manufacturer's warranty. If the rooting process goes awry, the owner cannot return the phone to the manufacturer for repairs because the warranty is no longer valid.

Third, Bull Guard said a phone's security will be compromised once it undergoes rooting, which can affect the security restrictions of the Android operating system. Malware can easily breach the phone's security, meaning worms, viruses, spyware, and Trojans can affect its performance.

Malware can penetrate your phone through malicious links and infected apps. Once it enters your phone, it can access your contacts, look into emails, and collect personal data such as bank account numbers, passwords, and credit card details.