Google has recently launched an innovative agentic calling feature in the U.S. that allows users to ask Google to call local businesses on their behalf. This new capability aims to simplify the shopping experience by helping consumers gather information about product availability, discounts, and more from local retailers without having to make the calls themselves.
The process is straightforward. When searching on Google for items such as toys, health and beauty products, or electronics, users can add “near me” or “nearby” to indicate they want information about purchasing these items locally. Upon doing so, a “Let Google call” option appears, inviting users to engage with the new feature by clicking the “Get started” button.
Google then presents a short list of tailored questions based on the product category to better understand what the user is looking for. Users can also choose how they want to receive the information once the calls are complete—via text message, email, or both. Google makes the calls to relevant local businesses, collects the requested information, and provides the user with a concise summary.
This new feature addresses common consumer pain points, such as time-consuming phone calls and difficulties confirming product availability or current promotions. It leverages artificial intelligence to facilitate a seamless connection between consumers and local businesses, potentially boosting local retail activity and enhancing the shopping experience.
The agentic calling feature is part of Google’s broader push to integrate AI into everyday shopping, aiming to make purchasing decisions faster and more informed during the busy holiday season and beyond. By enabling Google to handle these calls, users save time and can focus on comparing options with accurate, up-to-date information delivered directly to their devices.
For shoppers looking for local deals or availability without the hassle of multiple phone calls, Google’s new calling feature is a welcome innovation that makes local shopping more convenient than ever. This rollout is expected to expand in the future, making it a service worth watching for consumers and local businesses alike.
This marks another step forward in Google’s mission to use AI to improve everyday consumer interactions with technology, helping bridge the gap between digital searches and real-world shopping needs.
