Google tests letting Gemini call businesses for you

Google is testing a new feature called "Call for Me" that allows its Gemini AI to make calls on users' behalf, particularly for businesses. Initially, this feature will be available to Pixel 11 owners who have paid for a Gemini subscription in the U.S., and it will require the beta version of Google's Phone app for Android. This is an experimental feature as Google views real-world conversations as complex and nuanced.

Gemini will be able to share personal information that users have approved, enabling it to perform a wider range of tasks. Users will be able to follow the call in real-time and take over at any point. The AI is capable of handling diverse tasks such as checking product availability, making restaurant reservations, rescheduling appointments, or placing items on hold.

Gemini can introduce itself, navigate automated phone menus, wait on hold, and engage in the conversation on the other end. During the call, users can monitor the interaction through a live transcript. This feature builds upon Google's previous experiments with AI-assisted calling technology, like "Ask for Me" that allowed Gemini to call businesses on users' behalf for information like pricing or services, and features like "Hold for Me" or "Talk to a Live Rep" which could navigate phone trees and wait on hold until a real person answered.

Google plans to roll out the feature gradually due to the nuances involved in real-world conversations, ensuring it gets the feature right before a broader release.