Google allows everyone in the US to use AI to call local businesses. Now available in searches, this feature allows you to use AI for pricing and availability information without having to talk on the phone.
Google began testing the feature in January, but it can only be used by certain types of businesses, such as pet groomers, dry cleaners and car shops. When you search for any of these services like your pet groomer, Google will display a new “AI Check Pricing” prompt under your business list.
Google will provide you with more information about your request, including the type of pet you have, its breed, and the type of service you require. They also ask when the service is needed and how you will receive updates such as emails and text. This feature may prove to be popular among younger users who have shown that research is struggling to make calls.
Robby Stein, vice president of products at Google Search, points out that the company's duplex model utilizes Gemini to make calls. “With Duplex Tech, Gemini can make calls on your behalf,” says Stein. Bargethe calling tool “announces itself as an AI from Google, trying to get information on behalf of the customer, and is trying to get information and details so that you don't have to spend this time this time.” After the AI has retrieved the information you need, it provides text updates about the available time or price.
Business owners can opt out of receiving AI calls in Google's profile settings. Although this feature is now generally available, Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers receive a “higher limit” to allow for more features.
In addition to widespread rolling out the agent call tool, Google has begun testing the more advanced Gemini 2.5 Pro in AI mode. AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers now have the option to choose Gemini 2.5 Pro by selecting AI Mode Experiments in Labs. Stein says it is “particularly perfect for advanced reasoning, mathematics and code.” AI mode uses custom Gemini 2.0 series models by default.
Google is experimenting with placing deep search capabilities in AI mode, allowing users to create detailed reports of AI mode crafting on queries. “We think this model is actually a reason to consider questions to ask and searches to perform,” says Stein. “We're building a response so we'll actually see the work and issue more questions in this kind of multi-step inference chain.” This feature is also available to Google Labs' AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers.
