Google’s ‘Ask for Me’ feature calls businesses on your behalf to inquire about services, pricing – TechCrunch
Latest
AI
Amazon
Apps
Biotech & Health
Climate
Cloud Computing
Commerce
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
Fundraising
Gadgets
Gaming
Government & Policy
Hardware
Layoffs
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
Privacy
Robotics
Security
Social
Space
Startups
TikTok
Transportation
Venture
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Newsletters
Podcasts
Videos
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
Google is testing a new “Ask for Me” feature that uses AI to call local businesses on your behalf, for information about availability and pricing. The feature is available on desktop and mobile for users who have opted into the company’s Search Labs experiments.The idea is to help users access information without having to actually pick up the phone and talk to someone.To start, Ask for Me can be used to inquire about services at nail salons and auto shops. If you are enrolled in Search Labs, you can access the new feature by searching for local services like “oil change” or “nail salons nearby.” You will then see an “Ask for me” option with a “Get started” button. You’re then prompted to enter details about that service, such as a “tire replacement,” “factory scheduled maintenance,” “french manicure,” “nail art,” and more. From there, you can enter information about time frame. Google’s AI will then make calls to local businesses on your behalf and send you a summary of prices and availability.The launch comes as Google has been looking for ways to help users save time when contacting businesses with the help of AI. Last year, the company released a feature called “Talk to a Live Rep” that places a call to a business on your behalf, waits on hold, and then gives you a call once a live representative is available.The feature gets rid of the need for users to wait countless minutes, and sometimes hours, listening to hold music trying to get connected to a customer service agent.In terms of other Search Labs features, Google recently launched “Daily Listen,” which is a personalized AI-powered audio experience designed to help you stay up to date with a personalized news feed.TechCrunch has an AI-focused newsletter! Sign up here to get it in your inbox every Wednesday.Topics
Consumer News Reporter
Aisha is a consumer news reporter at TechCrunch. Prior to joining the publication in 2021, she was a telecom reporter at MobileSyrup. Aisha holds an honours bachelor’s degree from University of Toronto and a master’s degree in journalism from Western University. Elon Musk is reportedly taking control of the inner workings of US government agencies
Sam Altman: OpenAI has been on the ‘wrong side of history’ concerning open source
Google quietly announces its next flagship AI model
Elon Musk reveals Elon Musk was wrong about Full Self-Driving
Google issues ‘voluntary exit’ program for Android, Chrome, and Pixel employees
Mark Zuckerberg teases a 2025 return to ‘OG Facebook’
Ai2 says its new AI model beats one of DeepSeek’s best
Subscribe for the industry’s biggest tech newsEvery weekday and Sunday, you can get the best of TechCrunch’s coverage.TechCrunch’s AI experts cover the latest news in the fast-moving field.Every Monday, gets you up to speed on the latest advances in aerospace.Startups are the core of TechCrunch, so get our best coverage delivered weekly.By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice.© 2024 Yahoo.
