Google’s ‘Ask for me’ AI calls businesses so that you don’t have to

Google’s battle against robocalls and line hold music continues to bear fruit. Its handy suite of Call Assist features boast tools like Hold for Me and Call Screening, both of which have been game-changers when it comes to filtering out the noise and getting to what matters.

In an attempt to do more of the same, the tech giant is now rolling out a new Search Labs experiment — one that will let you probe local businesses about their services’ pricing and availability, all without you having to speak a single word.

For reference, this marks Google’s second Labs experiment in 2025 January alone, roughly three weeks after it began testing ‘Daily Listen.’

The new Search Labs experiment is called ‘Ask for me,’ and as the tool’s name suggests, it can leverage AI to call businesses and make relevant inquiries on your behalf using a natural-sounding voice. Currently limited to nail salons and auto repair shops in the US, the feature can probe whether a local business offers the service you need, ask about available timeframes for an appointment, and fetch pricing.

The feature is triggered when you search along the lines of “oil change near me” or “nail salons nearby.” Users that have opted to try out the feature will encounter a new ‘Ask for me card’ that prompts them to fill in specifics about what they’re looking for.

In the case of automotive service requests, this can include options like factory schedule maintenance, oil change, tire rotation, tire placement, fuel filter replacement, and more, alongside an option to provide information about the car (year, make, model, mileage) that needs servicing.

Users will also be able to specify when they need the service and receive updates as the AI tool goes probing via email and SMS. The tool then compiles the information it has gathered and presents the user with an easy-to-digest summary within roughly thirty minutes.

Limited to US-based English Google Search users on desktop and mobile for now, the tool is only available if you manually opt into using it. The feature’s potential is enormous, and it might eventually make its way to more services and regions after Google concludes the feature’s first Search Labs test.

Here’s how you can opt in

1. Open the Google app on your smartphone.
2. Tap the Labs button (flask icon) on the top-left.
3. Navigate to the AI Experiments section.
4. Tap Turn on under Ask for me.

Opting in on desktop is way easier. Head to the Search Labs landing page and toggle on Ask for me.