Gemini can now call businesses for you so you don’t have to wait on hold

Google is testing a Pixel 11 feature that lets its Gemini AI place and manage phone calls to local businesses for users. The assistant can introduce itself, navigate automated menus, wait on hold, carry out the conversation, and provides a live transcript with an option for the user to take over at any time.

By AI Newsroom· Reviewed by Pranav, Founder & Editor-in-ChiefPublished 8 minutes agoUpdated 8 minutes ago0 views

Gemini can now call businesses for you so you don’t have to wait on hold

Why It Matters

This experiment extends conversational AI from text and in-app interactions to real-world phone calls, potentially changing how consumers handle routine tasks like reservations or stock checks. It also raises operational and privacy considerations given the AI's ability to interact directly with human agents and automated systems on users' behalf.

Key Facts

Feature: Gemini can call businesses, navigate automated menus, wait on hold, and handle conversations for users
Control: Users see a live transcript and can take over the call at any time
Availability: Rolling out as an 'early preview' starting today for Gemini paid subscribers in the Phone by Google Public Beta on Pixel 11 in the US
Prior related product: Google offered a 'Call for me' feature last year that could ask businesses about product availability but did not let users take over calls
Competition: Meta is developing a similar automated call capability for its Muse AI agent, reportedly with possible human involvement

Google is beginning an early experiment that lets the Gemini assistant make and manage phone calls to local businesses on behalf of users. The feature, available on Pixel 11, can place the call, identify itself, move through automated phone menus, wait on hold, and conduct the conversation with the person at the business. Users retain oversight during these interactions: Gemini shows a live transcript of the call and allows the user to intervene and take control at any moment. Google says users do not have to start the call themselves — they can instruct Gemini through the Gemini app on Pixel to handle the entire process. The rollout starts today as an early preview limited to Gemini paid subscribers who are enrolled in the Phone by Google Public Beta on Pixel 11 in the United States. Google previously offered a 'Call for me' capability that could inquire about product availability, but that version did not include a takeover option for users. Other companies are pursuing similar features. The Verge notes Meta is developing an automated calling feature for its Muse AI agent, with reports suggesting some such calls may involve human operators behind the scenes. Google’s experiment signals a further step in moving AI from text-based assistants to performing real-world tasks over voice calls.