Google says Gemini AI can make calls and talk to people on your behalf now
Today, many of us don’t like to make calls. When it's friends or even work, it is likely that you prefer to drop a text on WhatsApp or send a DM on Instagram. But sometimes, calling may be the only way – such as while booking a table at a restaurant or calling your laundry service. This is where Google Gemini’s “Call for Me” feature comes in.
Google has announced the Call for Me feature for Gemini. This, the company says, will let the AI call a business on your behalf and get a task done. This includes handling automated menus or speaking to staff. Gemini can also wait on hold for a call for you, something most of us don’t like to do ourselves.What can Gemini Call for Me feature do?
With Call for Me, you can ask Gemini in the mobile app to make a call to a business for any task. Be it checking business hours of a store or asking about prices for any service, Google says, Gemini can do this for you now.
Previously, Google did launch AI calling tools like Duplex and Ask for Me that had similar functionality. But Call for Me takes things a step further. According to the company, the feature can also handle more involved requests such as asking a hardware store if a tool is in stock or rescheduling an appointment.
During such a call, Gemini can introduce itself, navigate any automated menu. The AI can also continue the chat with the business after waiting on hold.How to use Gemini Call for Me?
To use this feature, you would need to go to the Gemini app and begin your prompt with “@Call for me.” The company says you can then give specific details about what you want the AI to do, including dates, times, preferences, and alternative options.
An example cited on Google’s support page reads, “Call [Restaurant Name] and book a table for two at 7 PM tomorrow.”
Before Gemini makes a call, though, you can review a summary of what the AI has to do. including the number Gemini will dial and the details it will share. After reviewing the summary – and making changes if necessary – you can then give Gemini the green light to go ahead and make the call.
You can see a live transcript as the call happens and listen to the audio too. Google has also clarified that you will still have control to cancel or take over the call at any stage. If you do decide to take over, Gemini will announce it to the person on the other side and then leave the call.
Though Gemini cannot make emergency calls or complete payments on your behalf. The AI also cannot share any sensitive personal information such as passwords.Who can use this feature?
At the moment, the Gemini Call for Me feature is limited to users aged 18 or above in the US who have a Pixel 11 series device. The feature, currently in beta, is only available for those with a paid Gemini AI subscription. There are also daily limits on how many calls Gemini can make, and for now it can only call US phone numbers.
Google says it is starting the new feature on a small scale because “real-world conversations are nuanced” and it wants time to improve it before a wider rollout.- EndsAlso Read | Google is sending TPU chips in space for AI, Elon Musk reactsAlso Read | Explained: Rogue OpenAI agents break loose and hack Australian government website, full story in 5 pointsAlso Read | YouTube is expanding its shopping tools for creators in India, reveals new AI tools
Armaan Agarwal is a tech journalist with India Today Tech. Apart from having a keen eye for the latest gadgets, Armaan has an avid interest in the world of automobiles and aviation.
