Google is testing Call for Me, which lets Gemini call businesses on behalf of users, initially for Pixel 11 users with a Gemini subscription in the US

Your phone calls to businesses will soon be handled by AI, which can book appointments and check stock for you.

Google is experimenting with a new feature called "Call for Me" that allows its Gemini AI to make calls to businesses on behalf of users. This feature is initially available to U.S.-based Pixel 11 users who subscribe to Gemini and are using the beta version of Google's Phone app. "Call for Me" aims to handle tasks such as checking product availability, making reservations, rescheduling appointments, or placing items on hold. The AI will use the user's personal phone number, can navigate automated menus, wait on hold, and engage in conversations. Users can monitor the calls through a live transcript and take over control at any point. This development builds on Google's prior AI-driven calling features like "Ask for Me," "Hold for Me," and "Direct My Call."

The introduction of "Call for Me" signifies a significant step towards more autonomous AI agents capable of performing complex, real-world tasks. By integrating with a user's personal phone number and allowing Gemini to handle nuanced conversations and navigate Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, Google is pushing the boundaries of AI utility beyond simple information retrieval. This feature directly challenges existing AI calling solutions and could set a new standard for how consumers interact with businesses through automated systems. The initial limited rollout suggests Google is prioritizing a controlled environment to refine the AI's conversational abilities and ensure reliability before wider deployment.

This advancement has broad implications for the customer service and AI sectors, potentially reducing the need for human agents in routine tasks and impacting how businesses manage incoming calls. For consumers, it promises increased convenience and time savings, although it also raises questions about data privacy and the potential for AI errors. The success of "Call for Me" could accelerate the development and adoption of AI-powered personal assistants across various platforms, forcing competitors to innovate rapidly or risk falling behind in the race to offer seamless, AI-driven user experiences.