For individuals who find routine phone calls daunting, Google has unveiled an AI-powered solution. On Thursday, the tech company introduced “Ask for me,” an experimental feature offered through its Search Labs testing platform. This tool utilizes AI to place calls to local businesses on your behalf to check pricing and availability. At present, the feature specifically caters to calls made to nail salons and auto repair shops for services such as oil changes or regular car maintenance. Nonetheless, an options menu implies that support for more business categories is forthcoming.

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This innovation is part of Google’s wider initiative focused on “agentic” AI experiences — systems intended to carry out tasks for users. Automating phone calls for information gathering is merely one illustration. Recently, Google rolled out a Gemini tool that serves as a [research assistant](https://mashable.com/article/google-adds-deep-research-gemini-browsing-the-web-on-your-behalf), capable of extracting data from the internet. Another experiment within Search Labs enables AI to stay on hold for you during customer service calls.

Google’s latest Gemini model is also embedded in the [newest Samsung Galaxy](https://mashable.com/article/samsung-unpacked-galaxy-ai-agentic-features) and Pixel devices. These smartphones incorporate AI-driven tools for tasks such as information compilation, calendar scheduling, and message sending.

If you are part of Search Labs, you can activate the “Ask for me” experiment to give it a try. Note that participating in Search Labs entails agreeing to share your data with Google to aid in enhancing its AI systems. To utilize the feature, indicate whether you are seeking information about a nail salon or a mechanic, then provide specifics about the services you require. After entering all the relevant details, you can opt to receive a response via SMS or email, typically arriving within 30 minutes. It’s a simple process.

### How It Works for Businesses
From the perspective of businesses, the experience varies slightly. When the AI initiates a call, the person answering will hear an automated message stating that the call is from Google AI on behalf of a user. If the recipient does not hang up immediately—since it may initially come across as spam—the AI will move on to inquire about pricing and availability. The business representative can reply in a conversational manner, and the AI will communicate that information back to the user.

During our testing of the feature, we received a response 21 minutes later that included details on manicure pricing and availability from a nearby nail salon. The AI also mentioned that it had attempted to reach other salons but was unsuccessful. It’s unclear whether this was due to busy lines or misunderstanding surrounding the automated call.

While “Ask for me” appears promising as a time-saving tool, its acceptance by businesses may differ. Some might appreciate it, while others could be cautious regarding automated inquiries. Regardless, it represents another advancement in Google’s effort to weave AI into daily activities.