Google’s AI can now call local businesses to check availability, pricing and other details
Google has rolled out an AI calling feature in search that contacts local businesses on your behalf to learn about pricing, availability and services – without calling you.
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In short
- Google’s AI can now call local businesses for you
- It checks availability, pricing and share updates through the lesson
- The feature expands on the earlier duplex tech that was first shown in 2018
Google is bringing back a familiar idea with a new twist, and this time, it is ready for the public. Tech veteran has announced a new feature, which allows its AI to call local businesses for you through Google Search, collects information like pricing and availability so that you do not need to take the phone yourself. For the first time in January this year, this feature is now rolling for all the users of America, with widespread access to those who subscribe to the Google AI Pro and AI Ultra Plan. It works with specific types of businesses for now, such as pet groom, dry cleaner and auto shop.
If you discover one of these services, for example, “I have a pet groom”, then you will see a new option: “AI check pricing.” After selecting this, Google will ask for additional details such as your pet’s breed, who wants service, favorite time, and how you want to get updates (either through email or text). Once this happens, AI will call for you and send it back.
This is not the first time Google has tried something like this. In 2018, at its I/O Developer Conference, CEO Sundar Pichai did the famous Dimo by CEO Sundar Pichai Google Duplex – an AI assistant who could call appointments to book appointments. Demo received mixed reactions, some people expressed concern that the voice looked very human and lacking clear disclosure. Google had to stop his plans to rollout the feature.
Robbie Stein, Vice President of Google Search Product, explained Ruckus The new feature uses a combination of Google’s duplex model and its new Gemini AI system. “Gemini, with Duplex Tech, will be able to call on your behalf,” Stein said, AI will clearly present himself to the business as a Google bot, calling from a customer.
This time, the AI clearly introduces itself and clings to collect basic service details. Business owners can also choose the option to get such AI calls in their Google business profile settings.
With this AI calling feature, Google is also testing more advanced capabilities under its Gemini AI program. It includes Gemini 2.5 Pro, which is now available to users who have opted for “AI mode”. This version is designed for more complex functions such as coding, maths and deep research. It also strengthens “deep search”, a new tool that can dug up the report by arguing through several questions by step-by-step.
While these advanced features are limited to customers, AI calling is free to use tools but only available in the US. There is no information about when and when it will be launched in India at present. However, with the launch of AI mode in India recently, we can expect the AI calling tool to be made in India soon. Google says that it is one of many new “agentic” features, which is working to make the search in day to day more useful.
