Say goodbye to hold music Sep 30, 2020 | x.com Facebook LinkedIn Mail Copy link Andrew Goodman Product Manager, Google Assistant Joseph Cherukara Product Manager, Phone app Share x.com Facebook LinkedIn Mail Copy link Sometimes, a phone call is the best way to get something done.
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck on hold, listening to an endless loop of elevator music while contemplating your life choices, get ready for some good news. Google has rolled out a shiny new feature called “Call for Me,” powered by its Gemini AI. This is not just any feature; it’s like having your very own personal assistant who doesn’t require coffee breaks or a salary. So, what’s the scoop?
First off, this feature is currently exclusive to Pixel 11 smartphone users in the U.S. (sorry, folks with other brands—maybe try bribing your phone with some new apps?). To use this magical service, you’ll need a Gemini subscription and to be part of the Phone by Google app’s public beta. Yes, that’s right; we’re still in the experimental phase, so it might be a bit like giving a toddler a phone for the first time—exciting but slightly terrifying.
So, what exactly can Gemini do? Picture this: you’re busy binge-watching that show everyone’s been talking about, and you suddenly remember you need to make a dinner reservation. Instead of putting down the remote and dealing with an actual human being (gasp!), you can let Gemini handle it. The AI will call the restaurant, navigate through the menu options, and make that reservation for you—all while you stay comfortably ensconced on your couch, possibly in your pajamas.
But this isn’t just about booking tables. Gemini is also capable of checking product availability, which means no more awkward conversations with store employees who probably don’t want to deal with your questions anyway. You know the drill—”Can you check if you have this in stock?” and they respond with that blank stare that says, “Why don’t you just look online?” Well, Gemini is here to save you from those cringe-worthy moments.
Now, let’s not forget that this feature builds upon Google’s previous AI-powered calling capabilities. If you thought AI was just for recommending cat videos on YouTube or predicting which pizza you’ll want next Friday night, think again. Google is expanding what AI can do, and it’s about time we let machines take over the mundane tasks that plague our daily lives. After all, who wouldn’t want to delegate the fun stuff like waiting on hold to a robot that doesn’t mind listening to the same three notes on repeat?
Of course, let’s not pretend this is a flawless system. It’s still in beta, which means you might encounter a few hiccups along the way. Maybe Gemini will accidentally book a table for 20 instead of 2, or maybe it will try to get through to customer service for that broken blender only to get stuck in a loop of “Your call is very important to us. Please hold.” But hey, at least you won’t be the one on the line, right?
In conclusion, while we wait for the day when AI takes over all our responsibilities (and maybe even our dating lives), we can at least look forward to Gemini making those tedious phone calls for us. So, if you’re a Pixel 11 user with a flair for the lazy but a desire for efficiency, this feature could be a game-changer. Just remember to keep your expectations in check—after all, it’s still learning, just like we all are.
Inspired by: “Gemini can now call businesses for you so you don’t have to wait on hold” (r/Tech)