Google Lets You Use AI to Call Businesses on Your Behalf

Google has announced a new feature called ‘Ask for me’ on Search Labs, a platform that allows users to access various experimental AI features. This feature uses AI to call businesses in your locality on your behalf and receive responses in 30 minutes. It helps retrieve useful information regarding a business’s operations, such as its timings, prices, services offered, etc. 

The feature is being tested with two types of businesses – auto services and nail salons.

The experiment is available on Google Search for desktop and mobile. Rose Yao, Google’s VP of product management, said it uses the same underlying technology to make restaurant reservations via Google Search and Google Maps. 

“Has [Ask for Me] been especially helpful during times when this info is changing rapidly, like during the pandemic. As always, businesses can opt-out if they wish, and we clearly disclose calls,” she added. 

Search Lab also recently released an experiment called Daily Listen, which is an audio show made with AI from Google’s Discover. The experiment curates audio updates from sources you prefer based on your activity. 

Last year, Google unveiled another interesting experiment called Learn About, an AI-enabled tool for deep learning and understanding. Learn About provides several interactive lists and timelines on the topic. It also includes a quiz to test your knowledge and other intuitive modules to clarify any misconceptions.

A few days ago, Google announced that its generative AI feature suite will now be included in Workspace Business and Enterprise plans as well. These features are available in Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, Chat, and other Workspace tools and will assist users in tasks such as drafting documents, summarising emails, and taking meeting notes. 

Moreover, users will be able to interact with Gemini Advanced, a next-gen AI tool that can aid in research, coding, and data analysis.

“Businesses that embrace AI are gaining a significant competitive edge. Generative AI has reduced the burden of mundane tasks and has become a strategic partner for businesses, helping them bring their best ideas to life,” said Jerry Dischler, president of cloud applications at Google.