Google has rolled out a new feature dubbed 'Ask for Me' aimed at making phone calls easier for users by leveraging artificial intelligence to contact local businesses on their behalf. The tool, currently testing for auto shops and nail salons, is available on Google Search Labs and promises to streamline gathering information about services such as pricing and availability.
Targeted at users who dislike making phone calls, 'Ask for Me' works by allowing individuals to opt-in through the Google Search platform. Once engaged, users enter details about the service needed—like the type of car for maintenance or specific salon treatments—and the AI makes the call on their behalf.
According to Google’s VP of product management, Rose Yao, the feature utilizes the same advanced technology as Google Duplex, which many may recall for its ability to reserve tables and retrieve business information automatically. "This is using the same underlying Duplex tech...has been especially helpful during times when this info is changing rapidly, like during the pandemic," Yao stated. The technology employs natural language processing to communicate effectively with business representatives, gathering relevant details without requiring the user to lift a finger.
The process begins when users input queries related to services like oil changes or nail appointments. They will then receive prompts to specify their requirements, such as their vehicle type or preferred appointment time. This interactive format helps Google tailor the AI’s inquiries to address specific needs, providing users with precise information within about 30 minutes after the call.
Google spokesperson Craig Ewer emphasized transparency, stating, "Every call begins by announcing it's an automated system calling from Google on behalf of a user." This notice aims to clarify to business owners they are receiving calls from AI rather than humans, addressing concerns about etiquette surrounding automated interactions. Ewer added, "We have call quotas to avoid overwhelming businesses with automated inquiries."
The response from businesses is mixed, with some welcoming the innovation, noting potential efficiency gains, and others wary of this new wave of AI-driven communication. Businesses unwilling to receive these automated calls can opt-out through their Google Business Profile settings. This flexibility provides companies with agency over repeated automated calls, which might become overwhelming.
For consumers, 'Ask for Me' presents heightened convenience, particularly for routine inquiries. The ability to offload phone calls could significantly change how interactions are handled, especially for younger people who often view phone calls as tedious. Yet, as barrier-breaking as such technology is, it raises important questions about privacy and the future of human interaction. How will businesses adapt to communicating with AI, and can users trust AI to handle all the nuances of human conversation?
The feature is still experimental, requiring users to join a waitlist for access. This limited launch allows Google to gather practical feedback, which will refine the AI’s capabilities over time, aiming to handle diverse requests more effectively.
Early examples of the feature's use come from users searching for local services who, upon seeing the 'Ask for Me' prompt, can take advantage of this capability. Many consumers see this as part of the larger trend of AI integration within everyday life, providing strategic time-saving options.
Alongside the introduction of 'Ask for Me', Google has been advancing several AI-related projects across different platforms. Recent innovations include the Daily Listen experiment, which curates audio updates, and their Workspace features, enhancing productivity through generative AI functionalities. These endeavors highlight Google’s commitment to embedding AI deeply within user interactions.
Overall, the launch of 'Ask for Me' by Google marks not just the arrival of another AI feature, but signifies broader shifts toward automizing daily tasks and rethinking how people connect with businesses. The pilot phase will be closely monitored as user interactions shape the future development and expansion of this ambitious tool.