You may use Google Search to access Ask for Me, an experimental Search Lab function. As part of Google’s Search Labs project, the tool is presently in the experimental stage and seeks to improve user convenience by doing away with the need for manual phone calls.
On Thursday, Google launched a new experimental artificial intelligence (AI) function through Search Lab. The Ask for Me function, which can be found in Google Search, enables consumers to ask questions by having an AI chatbot call companies. The Google Search app’s iOS and Android versions presently offer the capability to a limited number of users in the US. Users must register for and activate Google’s Search Labs in order to be eligible for the functionality in certain areas. Search Labs launched Daily Listen earlier this month, which can produce audio summaries of a user’s Discover feed.
The new feature from Google, “Ask for Me” function also can be used to call nearby companies using artificial intelligence to inquire about availability and costs. Users who have chosen to participate in the company’s Search Labs studies may access the functionality on both desktop and mobile devices. Helping people obtain information without actually picking up the phone and speaking to someone is the goal. ‘‘Ask for Me’’ may be used to start by asking about services at car shops and nail salons.
You may use the new functionality by searching for local services like “oil change” or “nail salons nearby” if you are a member of Search Labs. After that, a “Get started” button and a “Ask for me” option will appear.
Google Vice President of Product Management and the Product Lead, Rose Yao introduced the new Search Lab function in a post on X (previously known as Twitter). The new AI-powered tool, which will be accessible through Google Search, may instruct the AI to contact companies in response to particular requests. Furthermore, Rose Yao also says that the functionality is designed using Duplex, a technology that similarly employs AI to make bookings or schedule meetings over the phone. Also according to Craig Ewer, a Google representative for Ask for Me, “every call begins by announcing that it’s an automated system calling from Google on behalf of a user,” as reported by The Verge.
By requesting that Google not contact them when they receive a call or by changing their Google Business Profile settings, businesses can choose not to receive the automated calls. According to Ewer, Google has call restrictions in place to make sure that companies don’t receive too many calls, and whatever data it gathers “can be used to help with similar requests from other users.”
Once enabled, Google Search will automatically activate the function. It only supports car repair firms and nail salons at the moment. Users will now see a new Ask for Me card when they type in a pertinent search term.
“Google will call local services to ask about their prices and availability,” is the one-line description that appears on the card, which also has a call and glitter symbol. Users may choose the service they require from a full-screen interface that appears when they hit the “Get Started” button. It will thus recommend choices like planned maintenance, oil changes, tire rotation, fuel filter replacement, engine filter replacement, and more if they have inquired about vehicle repair.
Following the specification of the problem, the feature looks for details about the car, like the manufacturer, year of manufacture, and mileage driven. Users are then asked to choose their preferred service time and if they want email or SMS updates.
After that, you are asked to provide information about that service, such as “tire replacement,” “factory scheduled maintenance,” “nail art,” “french manicure,” and more. You may then input details regarding the time frame. After that, Google’s AI will call nearby companies on your behalf and provide you with an overview of their costs and availability.
However, when mechanics or nail salon owners answer the phone and hear an AI call from Google on the other end, there will inevitably be some misunderstanding, as we witnessed with Duplex.
The launch coincides with Google’s ongoing search for methods to employ AI to help people contact companies more quickly. The firm launched a service last year called “Talk to a Live Rep” that calls a company on your behalf, puts you on hold, and then calls you when a live agent becomes available.
The function eliminates the need for customers to wait for hours on end while listening to hold music in an attempt to speak with a customer support representative.
Google has introduced “Daily Listen,” a customized AI-powered audio experience that helps you keep current with a tailored news feed, as one of the other Search Labs offerings.
After the procedures are completed, the AI calls companies in natural language to ask about availability and prices using Gemini‘s capabilities. After 30 minutes, the function creates a comprehensive report on the subject and emails or SMS the data.
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