Google Tests AI-Powered "Ask for Me" Feature to Call Local Businesses

Google is enhancing its AI-driven search capabilities with a new feature called "Ask for Me," which enables users to automate phone inquiries to local businesses. This experimental feature, currently available through Google Search Labs, aims to streamline the process of gathering pricing and availability information without requiring users to make calls themselves.

How "Ask for Me" Works

The "Ask for Me" feature is designed to assist users in obtaining service-related information from businesses, starting with nail salons and auto shops. Users enrolled in Search Labs can access the feature by searching for relevant services, such as "oil change" or "nail salons nearby."

When the option appears, users can click "Get Started" and provide specific details regarding the service they need, such as "tire replacement," "factory scheduled maintenance," "French manicure," or "nail art." Google’s AI will then make calls on the user’s behalf and return a summary of pricing and availability for the requested service.

Why Google is Introducing "Ask for Me"

Google’s AI-driven innovations aim to save users time when contacting businesses. The "Ask for Me" feature builds on previous AI advancements, such as "Talk to a Live Rep." This earlier feature allows Google to call a business, wait on hold for a live agent, and then connect the user once an actual representative is available—eliminating frustrating hold times.

By extending AI’s capabilities to local business inquiries, Google is positioning itself as a leader in AI-assisted search and customer convenience.

Future Implications of AI-Powered Search

The launch of "Ask for Me" highlights Google’s ongoing commitment to leveraging AI to enhance search functionality. Another recent AI-driven initiative from Search Labs is "Daily Listen," a personalized audio experience that curates news content tailored to individual user preferences.

As Google continues to refine its AI tools, features like "Ask for Me" could expand beyond nail salons and auto shops to cover a broader range of industries. This development could significantly impact how consumers interact with local businesses, reducing friction in obtaining essential information.

Google’s "Ask for Me" represents a step forward in AI-powered consumer convenience. By automating business inquiries, the feature has the potential to enhance efficiency, save users time, and reshape how people interact with local businesses. As AI technology evolves, it will be interesting to see how Google refines and expands this functionality in the future.