Google’s Gemini Can Now Make Calls for You on Pixel Phones
wired ·
Google has introduced 'Call for Me,' an experimental beta feature exclusive to the Pixel 11 series that allows its Gemini AI assistant to make phone calls on behalf of users. This capability, available in the US and English, requires a Gemini subscription and enrollment in the Phone by Google app’s public beta. The AI can interact with businesses to check inventory or schedule appointments, navigating automated menus and holding lines while providing a live transcript to the user. Although designed primarily for commercial inquiries, the system avoids emergency services and aims to handle conversations politely if requests cannot be fulfilled. This update builds upon existing smart calling features like call screening and hold detection, marking a significant evolution from Google's earlier Duplex project. While voice assistants handling calls are more accepted today, challenges remain regarding accent recognition and unpredictable human responses. Google acknowledges these limitations and plans to use user testing to improve performance across various accents and noisy environments. The feature hints at a future where AI agents routinely communicate with each other to handle routine business transactions.
wired