New Google AI feature aims to handle your phone calls

Google has launched an experimental AI feature called “Ask For Me” that makes phone calls to local businesses on behalf of users to gather information about prices and availability.

What’s new: Google’s AI-powered calling feature is currently being tested with auto shops and nail salons as part of the company’s Search Labs program.

• The technology builds on Google’s existing Duplex system, which already handles restaurant reservations
• The AI assistant explicitly identifies itself as automated when making calls
• Businesses retain the option to opt-out of receiving AI-generated calls

Key functionality and limitations: The service aims to reduce the number of direct phone calls users need to make while acknowledging certain constraints in its current form.

• The feature is limited to gathering basic information about prices and availability
• Users may experience wait times due to capacity limitations
• The service is currently in experimental phase, meaning occasional errors or issues may occur
• Businesses must be specifically enrolled in the program to receive AI calls

Technical foundation: The system leverages Google’s proven Duplex technology, which has already demonstrated success in business communications.

• Duplex technology has helped millions of businesses maintain updated customer information
• The system proved particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic when business information changed rapidly
• The AI maintains transparency by identifying itself to businesses

Current applications: While the immediate use case may appear limited, it represents a stepping stone toward broader AI-powered communication capabilities.

• The service currently handles information queries that may not be available through standard Google Search
• It complements Google’s existing hold-time management feature
• The technology could potentially expand to handle more complex calls in the future

Future implications: The introduction of “Ask For Me” suggests a broader trend toward AI-mediated communication that could reshape how people interact with businesses and services.

• Future applications could include medical appointment scheduling
• Bill payment and automotive service scheduling represent potential expansion areas
• The technology may eventually handle any structured business communication that doesn’t require unscripted human interaction

The development of this technology marks an important step in automating routine business communications, though its success will largely depend on business adoption rates and the system’s ability to handle increasingly complex interactions reliably.