Google Introduces AI-Powered Business Calling for Local Services
Google has officially launched its AI-powered business calling feature for all users in the United States, aiming to save time and simplify how people get information from local businesses. If you've ever dreaded calling a salon or restaurant just to check availability, this new tool does the heavy lifting for you. Paired with the rollout of Gemini 2.5 Pro in Search’s AI Mode, Google is evolving the search experience into something more dynamic and assistive. With this update, you can now type something like “pet groomers near me” and let AI make the call, collect pricing, and report back—no awkward phone conversations required.
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This feature, which was previously available only to early adopters in Search Labs, uses Gemini's agentic capabilities to simulate how a person would interact with a business over the phone. The AI starts each call by identifying itself as a Google automated assistant and then proceeds to ask specific questions on your behalf. Whether you're checking if a barbershop has appointments tomorrow or if a daycare accepts walk-ins, this innovation turns Search into your personal assistant. The move reflects Google’s broader goal of integrating AI into everyday problem-solving while keeping the human out of tedious tasks.
How AI-Powered Business Calling Works in Google Search
The AI-powered business calling process is intuitive. When users search for services like “nail salons open today” or “dog trainers nearby,” they may see a new button that reads “Have AI check pricing.” Clicking it initiates a short questionnaire. You’ll be prompted to share relevant details, such as the type of service you’re looking for, your availability, or specifics like pet breed or haircut style. Once completed, Google’s AI places a call to local businesses using Gemini 2.5 Pro’s advanced conversational abilities and relays back the responses in an easy-to-read format.
A key part of this feature is transparency. Google made it clear that every AI-placed call begins with a statement that it’s an automated system calling on behalf of a user. This approach addresses concerns raised during earlier AI trials, such as when Google Duplex mimicked human conversation too well, leading to confusion and ethical questions. This time around, the AI is designed to be openly robotic in tone—prioritizing clarity over mimicry—while still being effective in gathering useful information. This adds a layer of trust to the interaction and shows Google’s responsiveness to public feedback.
Gemini 2.5 Pro Enhances AI Mode in Google Search
Beyond AI-powered business calling, Google is integrating Gemini 2.5 Pro directly into Search’s AI Mode. This means users will get smarter, faster, and deeper responses when exploring topics, thanks to Gemini’s reasoning and research abilities. When activated, AI Mode offers a blend of answers, summaries, and resources drawn from reputable sources, often going several layers deeper than a standard search result. Whether you're researching a new laptop, planning a trip, or comparing service providers, AI Mode is now better equipped to guide you through that decision-making process.
Gemini 2.5 Pro brings improved contextual understanding, meaning it doesn’t just scan keywords—it interprets intent and context. It’s also optimized to handle “deep research” queries, offering follow-up questions and structured comparisons. This allows users to go from a broad question to a personalized answer in seconds. It’s part of Google’s ongoing mission to transition from being just an information provider to becoming a decision-making assistant. And for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, these features come with even higher usage limits and faster response times.
Why AI-Powered Business Calling Is a Big Deal
The introduction of AI-powered business calling isn't just a tech novelty—it reflects a shift in how we interact with local businesses. Consumers increasingly prefer convenience and speed, and this feature aligns perfectly with those expectations. Rather than searching through websites, calling multiple businesses, or waiting on hold, users now have the option to let AI do it all in the background. It’s a clear sign that we’re moving toward a future where AI handles more real-world logistics, saving users both time and mental load.
For businesses, this innovation can also improve customer engagement without requiring them to change how they operate. Since the AI interacts with staff via phone just like a regular customer, no extra software or setup is needed. Over time, this could help small businesses better serve tech-savvy consumers without investing in complex new systems. Still, it remains to be seen how business owners will respond to the volume of AI-initiated inquiries. But if the experience remains respectful, useful, and transparent, this may become a powerful bridge between AI and Main Street.
With the national rollout of AI-powered business calling and the integration of Gemini 2.5 Pro into AI Mode, Google is fundamentally changing the way people access and act on information. These updates turn search results into conversations, and everyday questions into automated tasks. By emphasizing transparency, user control, and practical usefulness, Google continues to lead in making AI a meaningful part of daily life—not just a buzzword. Whether you’re hunting for a last-minute pet sitter or comparing service prices, the AI is now ready to call ahead for you.
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