Google AI Begins Making Phone Calls to Local Businesses for Information

Google has launched a new feature in the US that allows users to call local businesses via AI, enabling queries about pricing and availability without ever picking up the phone. The feature is available through Google Search and is primarily targeted at certain businesses, such as pet groomers, dry cleaners, and auto shops. When users search for one of these services, a ‘have AI check pricing’ option will appear below the business listing. The AI will then call the business, retrieve the necessary information, and display it to the user. This feature was first tested in January 2025, and while it is still limited to a small number of industries, Google aims to expand it. The tool aims to reduce the need for customers to speak to a representative and can be especially useful for quick queries, but some small businesses are expressing concerns that this could lead to overwhelming calls. While businesses can opt out of participating, the implementation of this tool could still raise questions about its broader impact on customer service and business operations.