Google is testing a new “Ask for Me” feature that uses AI to call local businesses on your behalf, for information about availability and pricing. The feature is available on desktop and mobile for users who have opted into the company’s Search Labs experiments.
The idea is to help users access information without having to actually pick up the phone and talk to someone.
To start, Ask for Me can be used to inquire about services at nail salons and auto shops.
If you are enrolled in Search Labs, you can access the new feature by searching for local services like “oil change” or “nail salons nearby.” You will then see an “Ask for me” option with a “Get started” button.
You’re then prompted to enter details about that service, such as a “tire replacement,” “factory scheduled maintenance,” “french manicure,” “nail art,” and more. From there, you can enter information about time frame. Google’s AI will then make calls to local businesses on your behalf and send you a summary of prices and availability.
The launch comes as Google has been looking for ways to help users save time when contacting businesses with the help of AI. Last year, the company released a feature called “Talk to a Live Rep” that places a call to a business on your behalf, waits on hold, and then gives you a call once a live representative is available.
The feature gets rid of the need for users to wait countless minutes, and sometimes hours, listening to hold music trying to get connected to a customer service agent.
In terms of other Search Labs features, Google recently launched “Daily Listen,” which is a personalized AI-powered audio experience designed to help you stay up to date with a personalized news feed.
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