To kick off 2025, Google launched an early Search Labs experiment that is essentially a convenience seeker’s dream.
‘Ask for me,’ as Google revealed back then, is a feature that uses AI to call businesses on your behalf. The AI can then probe for price quotes, availability of services, and timeslots, all while using a natural-sounding voice.
Initially limited to users that went out of their way to enable the experimental feature, ‘Ask for me,’ which isn’t the feature’s official name for what it’s worth, is now rolling out to all Search users in the US. The feature doesn’t seem to have an official name. On Search, it appears as a ‘Have AI check pricing,’ which could be a little misnomer, especially since the tool can do a lot more like booking appointments, checking restaurant wait times, confirming the availability of specific services, and more.
In its early Search Labs days, the feature was limited to nail salons and auto repair shops. According to Google’s announcement today, it seems like restaurants, pet grooming, and dry cleaning businesses have been added to the mix.
Usage limits apply
When you search for one of the aforementioned services, Google will now highlight a ‘Have AI check pricing’ for me pill with Gemini’s logo. Google will then pose relevant questions to gain an understanding of your needs. For example, if you tap on the button after searching for pet groomers near you, Google will ask you what type of pet you have, its breed and weight, what services you need, when you need the service, your location, and how you want to receive relevant updates.
Once the AI is done calling businesses, you’ll receive an email, SMS, or both (depending on what you selected) with information on local businesses and what they said during the automated call. The same screen contains said businesses’ phone number, email, and website, making it seamless to personally call back or research further.
Businesses have complete freedom to opt out of receiving automated calls by changing their Business Profile settings. Google also alluded that the functionality will come with limits, though it didn’t specify any. According to Google, AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers will get higher limits, suggesting that free users might encounter a daily cap if they utilize the functionality multiple times per day.
