Google rolls out AI-powered business calling feature, brings Gemini 2.5 Pro to AI Mode

In a significant update, Google has announced the launch of an AI-driven business calling feature for users across the United States. This innovative tool, which acts on behalf of users to gather information from local businesses, aims to streamline the way people access details about availability and pricing without the need for direct phone conversations. This rollout comes after a testing phase that began in January, where select users participated in the company’s Search Labs experiments. To utilize this feature, users simply need to type a query such as "pet groomers near me" into Google Search. A new option will appear, allowing them to prompt the AI to check pricing. Users will answer a few questions regarding their needs, such as the type of pet and desired services, to receive tailored information from various local providers. A Google representative confirmed that every call made by the AI will start with a clear announcement that it is an automated system contacting businesses on behalf of a user. This clarification comes in response to previous criticism regarding a similar feature that mimicked human speech, which raised ethical concerns about transparency. In response to these issues, Google has assured that its AI will identify itself as a robot during calls. In addition to the business calling feature, Google is also enhancing its AI Mode within Google Search by integrating the advanced Gemini 2.5 Pro model. This upgrade enables users, particularly subscribers of Google AI Pro and AI Ultra, to pose complex and multi-faceted questions with improved accuracy in reasoning, mathematics, and coding. Furthermore, the introduction of a “Deep Search” capability aims to save users considerable time by conducting extensive searches and synthesizing information into a detailed, well-cited report in mere minutes. This feature is designed to assist users in various scenarios, including job research, hobbies, and significant life decisions such as purchasing a home or conducting financial analyses. Since its launch earlier this year, Google has continuously expanded AI Mode, enhancing its functionality to compete with other AI services like Perplexity AI and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Recent updates also included features for voice interactions and an enriched shopping experience, showcasing product visuals and leveraging AI for informed purchasing decisions.