Google has announced it is trialling a new ‘Ask for Me’ service that calls businesses on behalf of users to find out details such as how much a service costs and when it is available.
Rose Yao, vice president of search product, verticals and international at Google, wrote on X: “New experiment just launched on Search Labs – you can use AI to call businesses on your behalf to find out what they charge for a service and when it’s available, like an oil change ASAP from nearby mechanics.”
Yao added that the company is testing the technology with auto shops and nail salons to see how AI can help you connect with businesses and get things done.
“Just opt-in and search something like “oil change near me” to try it out and let us know what you think!” she continued.
To access the lab experiment, users can go on the Google Labs website and click on ‘join to try’. Then when you search for relevant and related queries, like “oil jobs near me,” Google will show you an “Ask for me” box.
The trial is currently limited to US consumers.
Yao said that users might have to join a waitlist, since capacity is limited during the experiment.
The experiment is using the same underlying Duplex tech that’s used to make restaurant reservations via Google Search and Maps.
The Duplex AI technology was developed by the tech giant to conduct natural conversations over the phone, primarily for tasks like making restaurant reservations and scheduling appointments. It was first announced by Google chief executive Sundar Pichai during the Google I/O developers conference in May 2018.
“We also use Duplex to help businesses keep their details, like store hours, fresh on Maps. This has helped millions of businesses relay updated info to their customers,” Yao said.
The service has been especially helpful during times when this info is changing rapidly, like during the pandemic, she added
“As always, businesses can opt out if they wish and we clearly disclose calls,” Yao said.
