This Experimental Google Feature Lets You Send Robocalls to Local Businesses
Companies are usually behind the robocalls, but if you work at a nail salon or auto repair shop, be prepared for customers to start sending you hordes of AI Karens.
Google’s latest experimental AI feature, available to those who sign up forAsk Me in Google Search Labs, is designed to be like an AI personal secretary for you. Once enabled, an “Ask Me” button will appear under certain searches, promising to call local stores to help you find out availability, service costs and the like.
Clicking the “Ask Me” button will take you to a form where you, for example, fill out the make and model of your car, what services you need and when you can come. Google will then conduct a survey of local residents. stores (there doesn’t seem to be an option to call just a specific store) and then email or text you with the results.
For their part, business owners will hear a message at the beginning of each call indicating that it is an automated system calling on behalf of a potential customer, Google spokesman Craig Ewer told The Verge .
If this sounds annoying, business owners can opt out, either through Google’s business profile settings , or by simply asking the AI ​​not to call them back. For those who decide to make fun of robocalls, Ewer told The Verge that Google is doing everything it can to ensure businesses aren’t overwhelmed with calls and will use information gathered from previous calls to help answer future calls without disturbing employees.
On X, Google product lead Rose Yao said that Ask for me is powered by Duplex , an existing Google feature that ( mostly ) uses artificial intelligence to make bookings on your behalf, but it’s more focused on research than actually booking anything . Since it’s still an experimental option, it’s limited to nail salons and auto shops for now, although it could presumably expand in the future.
As someone who suffers from social anxiety, I can see the superficial appeal here, although I’m not sure I’d ever want to commit the sin of making someone talk to a robot.