Google Gemini Can Now Make Phone Calls to Businesses on Pixel 11
Google is rolling out an experimental Pixel 11 feature that allows its Gemini AI to call local businesses, navigate hold times, and handle appointments with live user takeover options.
Gemini Takes Over Business Calls on Pixel 11
Google has begun rolling out an "early experiment" feature on Pixel 11 that allows its Gemini AI assistant to place phone calls to local businesses on behalf of users. The feature enables the assistant to take over routine voice interactions, including scheduling appointments, booking reservations, and inquiring about product availability, eliminating the need for users to dial the numbers themselves.
Automated Menus, Live Transcripts, and Human Takeover
Users initiate the process by prompting Gemini inside the app on their Pixel 11 rather than making a traditional phone call. Once activated, Gemini places the call, introduces itself as an automated assistant, navigates interactive voice response menus, waits on hold, and speaks directly with staff at the business.
Users maintain continuous oversight of the interaction through a real-time transcript displayed on-screen, with the option to intervene and take over the conversation at any moment. The capability is initially launching as an "early preview" available only in the United States to paid Gemini subscribers who are enrolled in the Phone by Google Public Beta on a Pixel 11.
The Evolution of Google's Calling Tools
The new rollout marks an expansion of Google's voice automation efforts. Last year, Google announced a related "Call for me" feature designed to check retail inventory over the phone, though that version did not allow users to jump into the call.
Other tech giants are working on similar capabilities. Meta is developing an automated calling system for its Muse AI agent, though reports suggest those calls might involve human assistance behind the scenes.
