about 2 months ago
TechCrunch Sep 24, 2026

Google tests letting Gemini call businesses for you

Google is rolling out a new AI-powered feature called “Call for Me” through its Gemini platform, allowing the AI to make phone calls to businesses on behalf of users. This service is currently in an experimental phase and is being made available initially only to U.S. Pixel 11 owners who have a paid subscription to Gemini. The feature operates via the beta version of Google’s Phone app for Android, enabling the AI to perform complex tasks such as checking product availability, making reservations, rescheduling appointments, and placing holds.

With “Call for Me,” Gemini can interact directly with businesses, including navigating automated menus and waiting on hold, while using the user’s own phone number for the call. Users can monitor the call’s progress through a live transcript and have the option to intervene at any time. Google emphasizes that this update significantly expands the AI’s capabilities compared to previous voice assistant features by allowing it to share user-approved personal information during the call to facilitate a wider range of interactions.

This development builds on Google’s longstanding interest and prior experiments in AI-assisted calling technology. Notable past innovations include a 2018 demo of Google Assistant booking salon appointments, and the “Ask for Me” feature launched last year that enabled simpler AI phone inquiries. Additionally, Pixel users have accessed utilities like “Hold for Me” and “Talk to a Live Rep,” which streamline call navigation and waiting times with human agents, as well as “Direct My Call” for managing phone menus.

Given the inherent complexity of real-world conversations, Google is limiting the early release to gather feedback and refine the technology before a broader launch. This cautious approach reflects both the potential and challenges of deploying AI systems that can autonomously communicate with businesses on behalf of consumers, marking a significant step in AI-driven personal assistant services.

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