Google’s AI Can Now Make Calls for You With ‘Ask for Me’ Feature

If you dread making phone calls, Google’s latest AI experiment might be a game-changer. The company is rolling out “Ask for Me,” an AI-powered feature that can call local businesses on your behalf to gather information about pricing and availability.

How ‘Ask for Me’ Works

According to Rose Yao, Google’s VP of Product Management, the feature is currently being tested with auto shops and nail salons. It builds on Google Duplex, the AI technology that enables Google Assistant to make restaurant reservations. Businesses will be notified they are speaking to AI and can opt out of future AI calls.

Key details about the feature:

• AI makes the call and informs businesses they’re speaking to an AI system.

• Businesses can opt out of receiving AI calls.

• Users must opt in via Google’s Search Labs to access the feature.

• Calls may be placed on a waitlist due to capacity limits.

Yao noted that Duplex technology has already helped millions of businesses keep customers informed—especially during fast-changing situations like the COVID-19 pandemic.

How to Access the ‘Ask for Me’ Waitlist

To try Google’s "Ask for Me" feature, you need to sign up through Search Labs. Follow these steps:

• Use a Personal Google Account – Search Labs is not available for Google Workspace (business) accounts. Make sure you're signed in with a personal Google account instead.

• Visit the Search Labs Website – Go to labs.google.com/search.

• Sign In – Click on "Sign in" and log in with your Google Account.

• Join the Waitlist – Look for the "Ask for Me" feature and click "Join Waitlist" to request access.

⚠ Important: Availability is limited, and you might be placed on a waitlist before gaining access. Once enrolled, you can start using "Ask for Me" to have AI handle calls to businesses on your behalf.

A Step Toward AI-Powered Conversations

Right now, ‘Ask for Me’ is limited in scope, only handling calls that could often be replaced by a quick Google Search. However, this could be the first step toward AI managing more complex phone interactions.

Imagine an AI that could:

• Book a doctor’s appointment for you.

• Handle bill payments over the phone.

• Schedule car repairs without human interaction.

Google has already introduced features like AI hold times, where Assistant waits on hold for you. If ‘Ask for Me’ evolves, it could eliminate even more frustrating phone calls.

What This Means

Google integrating AI into everyday communication is both exciting and a little surreal. Right now, ‘Ask for Me’ is fairly simple, but if it expands, AI could soon handle phone calls entirely.

For those who avoid calling businesses, this could be a dream come true—and a sign that AI is creeping deeper into our daily lives. Either way, Google is clearly betting on a future where AI does the talking for us.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.