Google's Gemini Calls Businesses for Users in New AI Feature

Google has launched an updated version of its Gemini AI assistant's call-making feature for businesses. The new functionality, currently available to Pixel 11 users as part of an early experiment, allows users to have their AI assistant make calls on their behalf to complete tasks such as placing orders or scheduling appointments.

The feature, similar to Meta's testing effort, uses real-time text transcripts and lets users intercede at any time. Google has tried this before with its 'Call for me' function last year, but the new version gives users more control over the process.

However, it remains unclear how businesses will respond to calls made by AI assistants like Gemini. Meta's previous attempt to automate calls resulted in some businesses hanging up when they realized they were talking to an AI. The company also experimented with hiring human contractors to fill the gaps but faced pushback due to privacy concerns.