Google’s AI Can Now Call Local Businesses for You: Here’s What You Need to Know

Google has launched a new AI-powered feature within Search that can call local businesses on your behalf to check for pricing, availability, and service details—eliminating the need to make the call yourself.

AI That Does the Calling for You

The feature, now rolling out to users in the U.S., allows Google's AI to handle phone calls to certain business types—like pet groomers, auto repair shops, and dry cleaners. When you search for a local service (e.g., “pet groomers near me”), a new prompt appears: “Have AI check pricing.” Once selected, users are asked to provide specific details such as service requirements, preferred time slots, and contact preferences (via text or email). The AI then places a call, collects the information, and shares it with you.

Built on Google Duplex and Gemini

This innovation builds on Google Duplex, the AI voice assistant first unveiled in 2018. While Duplex raised privacy concerns due to how natural it sounded, Google’s updated system addresses that by ensuring full transparency. The AI now clearly identifies itself as a Google bot calling on a customer’s behalf.

According to Robby Stein, Vice President of Product for Google Search, the new tool uses both the Duplex infrastructure and Google's latest Gemini AI model. This combination enables the AI to sound natural while maintaining clear boundaries and transparency during the interaction.

Business Control and Privacy

Business owners aren’t left in the dark. They can choose to opt out of receiving AI-generated calls through their Google Business Profile settings. This ensures greater control and consent for business operators who may prefer direct human interaction.

What Else Is Google Working On?

Alongside the AI calling tool, Google is testing advanced features through its Gemini AI program. This includes Gemini 2.5 Pro, capable of tackling tasks like coding, mathematical problem-solving, and in-depth research. These tools also power “Deep Search”, which offers step-by-step AI reasoning to deliver comprehensive answers to layered queries.

While Gemini Pro features are available to AI Mode subscribers, the AI calling feature is free for now but limited to U.S. users. Google has not confirmed when this feature will launch in India, although the recent introduction of AI Mode in India hints at a broader rollout in the near future.

A Glimpse at Google’s AI-Driven Future

This new calling capability is part of Google’s broader mission to develop “agentic” AI tools—features designed to act on your behalf and streamline everyday tasks. With this rollout, Google is making Search not just a source of information, but an active assistant in your day-to-day decisions.