Google has just launched Ask for Me, a new experiment in Search Labs that allows users to turn to artificial intelligence to contact businesses and obtain information on prices and service availability. At the heart of this advance is Duplex technology, whose integration into this feature involved the prominent participation of Mozambican engineer Nuno Khan, a member of the Google team responsible for the project.
The feature means that, for example, a user can search for “oil change near me” and Google’s AI will contact garages to find out prices and available times. Initially, the experience is being tested with car repair shops and beauty salons, and may expand to other areas in the future.
According to Rose Yao, Vice-President of Product at Google Search, the feature is intended to make it easier to connect consumers with local businesses. The technology is currently being tested in Google Search Labs. Duplex technology, already used for restaurant bookings and to keep business information up to date on Google Maps, is now once again demonstrating its potential for broader interactions.
Although it is still a limited experiment, Ask for Me could represent a revolution in the way users interact with businesses through Google search.
