in Robotics

Google’s new ‘Ask For Me’ AI tool calls businesses to get your questions answered

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ZDNET

Hate calling a business to ask about pricing? A new Google feature can handle that for you.

A feature called “Ask for Me” has popped up under the AI experiments category in Google Labs. Instead of calling a company yourself, you can let Google’s AI do it for you, handling tasks like finding the best price and checking product availability.

Experimental phase

When you use Ask for Me, a realistic-sounding AI will contact businesses, compile options, and get back to you within 30 minutes. It works much like the Duplex feature from 2019, which would call a restaurant for you to place a reservation.

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The feature is in an experimental phase, Google warns, and isn’t available for all service types. Google didn’t specify exactly which services it is available for, but images only show requests for auto maintenance and nail salon pricing. The description says it’s for “local services like ‘oil change’ or ‘nail salons nearby,'” so it’s possible that’s it for now.

How to use Ask for Me

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Google

Ask for Me works in either the Chrome web browser for desktop or mobile. It’s not fully open to the public yet, so you’ll need to head to the Ask for me page on Google Labs to join the waitlist.

In example images, Google shows how the feature works. 

When you search for an eligible business, an “Ask for Me” button will appear. Tap it, and you’ll see options to choose from. The auto service business shows choices like tire rotation, filter replacement, tire balancing, oil change, and scheduled maintenance. The nail salon shows choices like nail art, gel manicure, acrylic manicure, dip powder, or polish change.  

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Given how common robocalls are these days, you have to wonder if businesses will take the time to talk to a robot, especially when the feature is so new. Call screening is my favorite thing about owning a Google Pixel, and I still find that a lot of people are hesitant to talk to a computer.

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Source: Robotics - zdnet.com