Google is testing a new AI feature called Ask For Me, which will call local businesses on your behalf to set up appointments and ask about pricing.
The new tool, which is available to enable as a Google Search Labs experiment, will appear when you’re searching for local nail salons or car garages. In fact those are the only things that work at the moment, with Google hoping to broaden the services in the future.
Here’s what we know so far…
DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro bundle discount
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Adventure Bundle contains the camera itself plus a ton of must-have accessories including spare batteries and mounts, and it’s now going cheap for a limited time.
- Currys
- Use code DJIOA60
- Now just £349
View Deal
How to use Ask For Me
Users might see an “Ask For Me” notification within a search result when they use terms like “oil change” or “nail salons nearby”. They can enact an AI phone call to the business in the search results by hitting Get Started from the prompt.
Users will need to answer a few questions about the service they’re requesting before the call is put in – i.e. what service you need (oil change, wheel rotation, etc) and when you need it. Google says you’ll get a response within 30 minutes, featuring pricing and availability for your request. Adding your phone and email address will enable the business to keep in touch with you after the appointment has been made.
“New experiment just launched on Search Labs – you can use AI to call businesses on your behalf to find out what they charge for a service & when it’s available, like an oil change ASAP from nearby mechanics,” wrote the product manager Rose Yao on Twitter.
“We’re testing right now with auto shops and nail salons, to see how AI can help you connect with businesses and get things done.”
How to opt-in to Ask For Me
To use Ask For Me, you’ll need to have the Google Chrome browser installed on your desktop or iPhone and Android device. From here you can head to the Google Search Labs homepage. Scroll down to AI experiments and you’ll see Ask For Me. From here, you can toggle the feature on.
Yao says the tech uses the same Duplex technology that’s made to reserve restaurants in Search and Google Maps. The feature only appears to be enabled in the United States right now.
