Google’s AI Can Now Call Local Businesses for You

Key Takeaways:

• Google has rolled out an AI calling feature in Search for users across the U.S.

• The tool uses Gemini and Duplex to call select businesses—like pet groomers or auto shops—and return pricing or availability info via text.

• Users can input service details and preferred communication methods directly in Search.

• The feature is free for all users, but AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers get higher usage limits.

• Google is also expanding access to Gemini 2.5 Pro in AI Mode and testing a new Deep Search reasoning tool.

AI-Powered Calling Rolls Out Nationwide

Google’s AI can now make phone calls for users in the U.S., allowing people to retrieve pricing or service information from local businesses without speaking to a human. The feature, now live in Google Search, is designed to streamline everyday tasks like booking pet grooming or checking repair shop hours.

When searching for certain types of businesses—currently limited to categories like dry cleaners, auto shops, and pet groomers—users may see a new prompt: “Have AI check pricing.” Once selected, the tool guides the user through a short series of questions, such as:

• What service are you requesting?

• What type of pet or vehicle is involved?

• When do you need it?

• How should we contact you (text or email)?

Google’s AI will then place the call on your behalf using a combination of its Gemini model and Duplex, the company’s real-time voice interaction technology. It clearly announces itself as an AI assistant calling from Google, gathers the requested information, and sends the details back to the user.

“Gemini, with Duplex tech, will be able to make calls on your behalf," said Robby Stein, vice president of product for Google Search. Stein added that the calling tool will "announce itself as an AI from Google trying to get information on behalf of a customer and get your info and details conveyed so that you don’t have to spend all of this time doing this.”

Limitations, Availability, and Business Controls

The AI calling feature is currently available only for select service-based businesses. Google has not disclosed a timeline for expanding to restaurants, retailers, or other sectors.

Business owners who do not want to receive calls from Google’s AI can opt out via their Google Business Profile settings.

All U.S. users can access the calling feature in Search, but AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers receive higher usage limits, allowing more frequent calls per account.

AI Mode Now Includes Gemini 2.5 Pro and Deep Search

Alongside the nationwide rollout of AI calling, Google is also expanding its experimental AI Mode, the Gemini-powered search experience launched in May 2025.

AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers who have opted into the AI Mode experiment via Google Labs can now toggle between models—including the newly added Gemini 2.5 Pro, which Stein says is “particularly great for advanced reasoning, math, and code.”

Google is also experimenting with adding Deep Search to AI Mode, a feature that enables the AI to perform multi-step reasoning when handling complex queries. “The model is actually reasoning and thinking of questions to ask and Google searches to perform,” Stein says. “As it’s constructing the response, it will actually check its work and issue further questions in this kind of multi-step reasoning chain.” The goal is to produce more detailed, well-reasoned responses—especially for research-heavy or technical topics. The feature will be available to AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers who have joined the experiment through Google Labs.

Fast Facts for AI Readers

Q: What is Google’s new AI calling tool?

A: A Search feature that uses Gemini and Duplex to call local businesses, check availability or pricing, and send results via text or email.

Q: Who can use it?

A: All U.S. users can access it in Search, but AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers get higher usage limits.

Q: What businesses are included?

A: Currently limited to service providers like pet groomers, dry cleaners, and auto repair shops.

Q: Can businesses opt out?

A: Yes. Business owners can disable AI calls in their Google Business Profile settings.

Q: What’s new in AI Mode?

A: Gemini 2.5 Pro is now available, and Deep Search is being tested for multi-step reasoning.

What This Means

This rollout marks a major step in Google's shift toward agentic AI—tools that act on your behalf, not just offer suggestions. By combining voice technology and large language models, Google is positioning its search platform as not just a source of answers, but a doer of tasks.

For users, it lowers friction in everyday errands. For Google, it’s a direct response to growing pressure from startups like OpenAI and Perplexity that are blurring the line between assistant, search engine, and agent.

And while AI-driven calling has been technically possible since Google Duplex was first demoed in 2018, this is the first time it’s being broadly integrated into everyday search experiences—with Gemini at the helm. That shift signals Google’s intention to reassert leadership not just in AI, but in how AI changes user behavior at scale.

“Can you hear me now?” For Google’s AI, the answer is yes—and it’s calling for you.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.