Hajra Naz
AI agents like Meta’s Muse and Instinct can now place calls on users’ behalf. In response, Google is introducing a similar capability. It’s rolling out a new feature called “Call for Me,” letting Gemini call businesses directly.
This feature will initially launch to a specific group. That’s Pixel 11 owners who pay for a Gemini subscription in the U.S. It will also require something specific. Users need the beta version of Google’s Phone app for Android. This remains an experimental feature for now.
Google has long offered AI-guided calling features. Still, prior versions had real limitations in what they could do. With this update, Gemini gains new capabilities. It can now share personal information that users approve beforehand. This applies specifically to calls Gemini makes on their behalf. According to Google, this allows the AI to take a broader range of actions during calls.
Google also confirmed additional details about this feature. Users will be able to follow the call as it happens in real time. They can take over the conversation at any point too. “Call for Me” will use a person’s own personal phone number to make calls. These calls get dialed directly from the user’s own phone.
According to Google, the AI can handle fairly complex tasks. That includes calling a store to check product availability. It includes making restaurant reservations too. The AI can also move a scheduled appointment to a different date. It can place items on hold as well.
Read More: Gemini Is the Latest AI Model Capable of Hacking Other Companies
The AI can call a business and introduce itself naturally. It navigates automated phone menus on its own. It waits on hold when necessary. Then it handles the actual conversation once someone answers. Meanwhile, users can watch the call unfold through a live transcript of the conversation.
This launch builds on years of experimentation with AI-assisted calling technology at Google. Years ago, the company impressed audiences at its I/O developer conference. It demonstrated Google Assistant calling a salon to make a reservation. The demo even included small “umm’s” and “ahh’s.” This made the conversation sound more natural to listeners.
Last year, Google rolled out a related feature called “Ask for Me.” This let Gemini call businesses on users’ behalf. It specifically helped inquire about things like pricing or available services. People with Pixel smartphones have also had access to other tools. That includes “Hold for Me” and “Talk to a Live Rep.” These features can navigate phone trees automatically. They then wait on hold until a real person picks up. Another feature, called “Direct My Call,” displays numbers needed to navigate IVR systems.
Google explained why it’s starting this experiment on a small scale. According to the company, “real-world conversations are nuanced.” Google needs time to refine this feature properly. The goal is getting it right before rolling it out more broadly to additional users.
