Google’s AI Can Now Make Phone Calls on Your Behalf

Key Takeaway:

• Google's Gemini AI can now call local businesses for users directly through Search to gather information or book services.
• The feature uses Duplex technology and is available in the U.S., with opt-out options for businesses and premium access for AI Pro users.

Google has taken a major step forward in AI-powered assistance by rolling out a new feature in the U.S. that allows its Gemini AI to make phone calls to local businesses directly through Google Search. This tool, first tested earlier this year, lets users request information like pricing, hours of operation, and service availability without ever picking up the phone.

When someone searches for services such as pet grooming, auto repair, or dry cleaning, they may now see an option labeled “Ask for Me.” If selected, Gemini will use Google’s Duplex voice technology to place a call to the business. The AI introduces itself as calling on the user’s behalf, asks relevant questions, and then returns the response to the user via text or email.

This move transforms the search experience into a more active and intelligent assistant. Users can now delegate simple but time-consuming tasks like making inquiries or scheduling appointments. It’s part of Google’s broader strategy to make AI more agent-like, capable of taking real-world actions on behalf of users.

Credit: Google

Businesses that don’t want to participate in this feature can opt out using their Google Business Profile settings. For users, the functionality is available across the U.S., but those subscribed to Google’s AI Pro and AI Ultra plans benefit from more usage credits and access to advanced Gemini models like Gemini 2.5 Pro. These premium tiers also include features like Deep Search, which can generate in-depth research reports on complex topics using AI reasoning.

As AI integration deepens in everyday apps, this feature showcases a new phase of interaction, where digital tools not only inform but also act on our behalf. Google’s move reflects the future of AI as not just a search engine assistant, but a personal concierge for real-world tasks.