Google recently launched “Ask for Me,” a new experimental tool in Search Labs that lets users use artificial intelligence to contact businesses and get information about pricing and service availability.
The project has significant contributions from Nuno Khan, a Mozambican engineer who is part of the Google team involved in developing the technology.
With this functionality, a user can, for example, search for “oil change near me,” and the AI will contact garages to gather details about prices and available times. Initially, the service is being tested with mechanic workshops and beauty salons, with plans to expand to other areas in the future.
Rose Yao, Google Search's Vice President of Product, explained that the goal of the tool is to make it easier for consumers to connect with local businesses. Currently in testing at Google Search Labs, Duplex technology, which is already used to make restaurant reservations and update business information on Google Maps, is now expanding to broader interactions.
While still a testing feature, Ask for Me has the potential to transform the way users communicate with businesses through Google search.
(By Renaldo Manhice)
