Typically, businesses are the ones behind robocalls, but if you’re employed at a nail salon or an auto repair shop, prepare for a wave of AI-driven Karens from customers.
Google’s latest experimental AI feature, available for those who sign up for “Ask for me” on Google Search Labs, aims to function as a personal AI secretary. Once activated, it displays an “Ask for me” button beneath particular searches, promising to make calls to local shops on your behalf to ascertain availability, service costs, and more.
By clicking the “Ask for me” button, users will access a form where they can input details such as the make and model of their car, required services, and their availability. Google will then reach out to local shops (currently, there’s no option to target a specific shop) and will email or text the user with the outcomes.
On the receiving end, business owners will hear a notification at the beginning of each call indicating that an automated system is calling on behalf of a potential customer, as explained by Google spokesperson Craig Ewer in a discussion with The Verge.
If this seems bothersome, business owners can choose to opt-out, either through their Google Business Profile settings or by simply instructing the AI not to call them back. For those who choose to engage with the robocalls, Ewer assured The Verge that Google is making efforts to prevent businesses from being inundated with calls, using information gathered from previous interactions to assist in answering future inquiries without overwhelming staff.
On X, Google product lead Rose Yao mentioned that Ask for me is powered by Duplex, an existing Google feature that (mostly) utilizes AI to make reservations for users, though it is primarily focused on research rather than making bookings. Currently, this feature is experimental, limited to nail salons and auto repair shops, but it could potentially expand in the future.
As someone who experiences social anxiety, I can appreciate the initial appeal of this technology; however, I personally hesitate at the thought of delegating conversations to a robot.
