Google's New 'Ask for Me' Search Feature Uses AI to Make Calls

Google today started rolling out a new experimental "Ask for Me" feature that's available as part of Search Labs. Google Search users can take advantage of AI to make calls to businesses for information like pricing and availability.

google ask for me
As of now, Google is testing the experimental feature with auto shops and nail salons, and it is designed to prevent users from having to place calls themselves. Businesses can opt out of the AI-based calls, and the feature does disclose that AI is being used at the beginning of a call.

To use Ask for Me, Google Search users can opt-in to Search Labs and then search for a phrase like "oil change near me" or "manicure near me" to test it out. There are capacity limits in place, so there could be a waitlist before a call can be placed.


Google says that the feature uses some of the underlying technology used for making restaurant reservations through the Google Search and Google Maps apps.

Tag: Google

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Top Rated Comments

Wanted797 Avatar
1 week ago
I envision businesses just hanging up on this AI.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Capeto Avatar
1 week ago
If I get a phone call telling me it's AI, I'm hanging up right there and then.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
everlast3434 Avatar
1 week ago
So we're going to have AIs calling us now? Lovely.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mansplains Avatar
1 week ago
The AI will call and get the machine, and they’ll converse with each other. Dead phone theory!
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheDadGuitar Avatar
1 week ago
Piling on - f I'm a business owner and I get an AI call it's a hang-up and instablock.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Wanted797 Avatar
1 week ago
The irony of those options is they could just be ab online booking form and you then pick an available slot…
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)