Google’s New ‘Ask for Me’ AI Feature Can Call Businesses and Book Appointments on Your Behalf

Google is developing a new AI feature named 'Ask for Me'. This tool is designed to contact local businesses to gather information like availability and pricing on behalf of users. It aims to simplify the process of obtaining details without making direct phone calls.

Currently, Ask for Me is accessible on both desktop and mobile platforms. However, it is only available to those who have opted into Google's Search Lab experiments. The feature is powered by Duplex, an AI tool that can perform tasks such as making reservations or booking appointments over the phone.

Google's Ask for Me: How Does It Work?

To use this feature, users must be enrolled in Search Labs. They can then search for local services like "oil change" or "nail salons nearby." An "Ask for me" option will appear, along with a "Get started" button. Users will need to provide specific details about the service they require.

Once the user specifies their needs, Google's AI will make calls to local businesses on their behalf. The AI will then send a summary of prices and availability back to the user. This initiative is part of Google's broader strategy to save users time when contacting businesses using AI technology.

Comparison with OpenAI's Operator

OpenAI has introduced its own AI tool called Operator, which performs tasks on the web using its browser. It can interact with webpages by typing, clicking, and scrolling. Unlike Google's tool, Operator works online rather than making phone calls.

The main distinction between these tools lies in their functionality: one operates through web interactions while the other makes direct calls. OpenAI's Operator has already been released for use, whereas Google's Ask for Me remains in its experimental phase.

Current Experimentation and Availability

At present, Google is experimenting with auto shops and nail salons using this feature. According to Rose Yao, Google product lead, "You might hit a waitlist since the capacity is limited during the experiment." This indicates that access may be restricted during testing phases.

This development follows Google's previous introduction of the "Talk to a Live Rep" feature last year. That feature allowed users to call a business and wait on hold until a live representative was available, reducing customer service wait times.

The introduction of Ask for Me represents another step in Google's efforts to enhance user convenience through AI technology. By automating inquiries about services and pricing, Google aims to streamline interactions between consumers and businesses.