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Through the new “Ask for Me” Search Labs experiment Google enables its AI system to place telephone calls to businesses on behalf of users. The feature empowers users to obtain service prices together with availability details which simplifies the process of learning about oil change costs from local mechanics.
How to Use "Ask for Me"
To try out this experiment:
The Search Labs offer the "Join to Try" option in their website. Users must first join their experiment by clicking on this button.
The user should use query strings such as "oil change near me" or "nail salons nearby" to commence their search.
A prompt in the form of "Ask for Me" will emerge when availability permits users to enable Google AI for call handling.
Little availability and occasional waitlists exist due to being an experimental function.
What It Looks Like
Google displays screenshots showing the search implementation of "Ask for Me" in search engine results page. The user interface presents either a pop-up window or embedded request box so customers can accept AI assistance with contacting businesses.
More Details from Google
In an X Twitter interview Rose Yao who serves as VP of Search and international product at Verticles and Google discussed further details about this experimental search capability.
Google Search Labs now presents a new experiment that enables users to let AI dial businesses to receive service pricing and availability details including urgent oil change services from nearby mechanics The current AI testing phase targets connections between businesses and their customers using two locations: auto repair shops and nail salons.
Users can yield the service through simple Opt-in followed by queries like "oil change near me" to test the interface and provide their feedback. There is a possibility that you will encounter waiting times because experiments limit seating capacity at the moment.
The technology Google uses in this feature coincides with the restaurant reservation system through Search/Maps that employs Duplex technology. The Google Maps platform uses Duplex to maintain business information including operating hours as up-to-date records. Through this service millions of businesses have been able to give updated information to their customers.
The service provides crucial information which has proven indispensably useful during urgent periods of constant changes such as the pandemic. Businesses have complete control to exclude these services or the system presents clear notices throughout the process.
What Is Google Duplex?
The "Ask for Me" system at Google develops its operations using Duplex technology which entered the market through phones in 2018. The primary function of Duplex served to schedule appointments at companies which operated without digital meeting booking systems.
The demonstration of Duplex AI during Google I/O 2018 caused audience members to be startled because it delivered phone interactions with restaurant booking abilities that sounded completely natural. The Duplex system developed by Google received updates to maintain accurate business operational information for Google Maps.
Why This Matters
Ask for Me from Google holds the potential to transform consumer-grade and business-grade operations simultaneously.
The tool enhances efficiency because it enables Artificial Intelligence to manage repetitive phone communication tasks.
The system presents businesses with another approach for lead generation and inquiries that enables customers to bypass traditional phone contact.
The experimental phase of this project prevents researchers from confirming its widespread deployment. Google maintains its pursuit of AI-powered solutions to streamline everyday operations in a way that brings excitement to the audience.