Hate calling a business to ask about pricing? A new Google feature can handle that for you.
Experimental Phase
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.
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.
How to Use Ask for Me
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.
Limitations
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.
Conclusion
Ask for Me is a innovative feature that aims to make our lives easier by handling tedious tasks for us. While it’s still in the experimental phase, it’s an exciting development in the world of AI-powered assistants. With the ability to get pricing and availability information without having to make the call ourselves, it’s likely to be a hit with those who value convenience.
FAQs
Q: What is Ask for Me?
A: Ask for Me is a Google feature that allows you to ask a business questions, such as pricing and availability, through a realistic-sounding AI.
Q: How do I use Ask for Me?
A: Ask for Me is available in the Chrome web browser for desktop or mobile. You’ll need to join the waitlist on the Ask for Me page on Google Labs to start using it.
Q: What types of services is Ask for Me available for?
A: Ask for Me is currently available for local services like auto maintenance and nail salons.
Q: Is Ask for Me fully open to the public?
A: No, Ask for Me is still in the experimental phase and not fully open to the public. You’ll need to join the waitlist to start using it.
Q: How long does it take to get a response from Ask for Me?
A: Ask for Me aims to provide a response within 30 minutes.
