The call ahead feature has been added to Google’s search results pages, but first you have to search for something that might qualify.
Google suggests something like «pet groomers near me,» and this enables the «Have AI check pricing»-feature.
From there, you get a couple of quick questions about your pet and the services you need, when you need it, and how to update you.
Google takes care of it
Google’s AI takes it from there, calls up the service you wanted and asks about pricing and availability. Then it can update you with a text or email message.
Google did this before, with Google Duplex (the same, evolved technology that powers this) back in 2018. At the time, it caused quite the backlash from confused businesses and others that got calls from it.
To avoid that this time around, Google AI will always identify itself as an AI calling on behalf of a customer, and as a timesaving feature for the business, «so that you don’t have to spend all of this time doing this,» a Google executive tells The Verge.
Business owners can, crucially, also opt out of getting calls from the AI, and it’s only available in the USA, for now.
Some new for Pro and Ultra subs
The company is also adding «Deep Search» for Pro and Ultra users on Google’s AI Mode. This can execute several hundred searches on your behalf, and returns a report with source links for further reading.
The idea is that this can help save you hours of time, and is useful for research «related to your job, hobbies, or studies.» Or with big life decisions, like scoping out neighborhoods while looking for a house.
Pro and Ultra users will probably be well familiar with Gemini 2.5 Pro by now, but this model is also being rolled out for AI Mode — offering better reasoning, math and code performance.
The Google AI Pro and Ultra subscription are the same plans as you’d get with a Gemini subscription.
Read more: Google’s launch blog, The Verge adds quotes, and details from 9to5Mac.