Another Crazy Day in AI: New Google Tool Lets You Skip Phone Calls to Local Services
- Wowza Team
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
Hello, AI Enthusiasts.
Another workday down. And hey, it’s only Wednesday.
And here’s one less thing on your plate: Google just launched an AI-powered search tool that calls businesses for you. Pricing? Availability? It asks, so you don’t have to.
And while AI is stepping in for your errands, it’s now part of public service. Oregon is among the first to train thousands of public employees on generative AI, bridging the digital divide before it widens further.
And speaking of early AI helpers… The founder of a leading AI newsletter took Comet for a spin and broke it down into 5 practical use cases, plus some real-world warnings worth noting.
Here's another crazy day in AI:
New Google feature eliminates phone call anxiety
State of Oregon kicks off AI training program
Comet might be the first real AI browser assistant
Some AI tools to try out
TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: AI Can Now Call Your Local Services
Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram)
Would you let an AI speak to your local pet groomer or mechanic for you?
Google is now offering that option, at least for some everyday tasks. As Emma Roth reports for The Verge, a new feature in Search lets users ask AI to call certain local businesses on their behalf. It’s currently limited to specific categories like pet groomers, dry cleaners, and auto repair shops. When available, the feature shows up directly in Search results with a simple prompt: have AI check pricing. From there, the AI gathers a few basic details from you, places the call, and delivers the response via text or email.
How it works:
Google's Duplex technology, now enhanced with Gemini, handles the actual phone conversations
The AI announces itself as Google AI when speaking with business staff
Users answer prompts about their service needs, pet details, or repair requirements before the call
Responses arrive through text or email with pricing and scheduling information
Business owners can disable these calls through their Google profile settings
Subscribers to Google AI Pro and Ultra get higher usage limits
The feature rolled out nationwide after months of testing that began in January
Related updates:
AI Pro and Ultra users can now access Gemini 2.5 Pro in experimental AI Mode
Deep Search integration allows AI Mode to create comprehensive research reports
Enhanced reasoning capabilities help the system verify information and ask follow-up questions
Phone calls have become a genuine source of stress for many people, particularly those who grew up communicating primarily through text and digital platforms. Studies consistently show that phone anxiety affects a significant portion of the population, sometimes preventing people from accessing services they actually need. This Google feature addresses a real problem that goes beyond simple convenience.
The business perspective presents a more complex picture. Some service providers might appreciate having routine pricing inquiries handled automatically, allowing their staff to focus on actual appointments and more detailed customer consultations. However, many small business owners rely on initial phone conversations to gauge customer needs, build rapport, and sometimes upsell services. These human interactions often form the foundation of customer relationships that drive repeat business and referrals.
The opt-out option reveals Google's awareness of these concerns, but it also places the burden on individual businesses to decide how they want to engage with this technology. As more companies adopt similar AI-powered communication tools, local businesses may find themselves needing to adapt their customer service strategies. The question becomes whether this technology will ultimately help small businesses operate more efficiently or create new barriers between them and their customers.
Read the full article here.
OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:
State of Oregon Kicks Off AI Training Program
/Bryce Dole, Reporter, on Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB)
Oregon is launching statewide AI training for government employees in partnership with InnovateUS, aiming to build a more capable and future-ready public workforce. The optional online courses focus on ethical, responsible, and secure use of generative AI to improve government efficiency and service. Governor Tina Kotek and Chief Information Officer Terrence Woods emphasized the urgency of preparing government for the rapid advancement of AI. The training follows the release of the state’s AI Action Plan, part of a broader initiative to modernize governance with emerging technologies.
Read more here.
Comet Might Be the First Real AI Browser Assistant
/Rowan Cheung, Founder of The Rundown Newsletter, on LinkedIn
Perplexity’s Comet agent is gaining attention for being genuinely helpful—unlike many earlier AI agents—with features like email/calendar management, YouTube summarization, and cross-tab product comparisons. Integrated directly into the browser, it can automate LinkedIn sorting and even scroll social feeds to pull highlights. While still early and not without privacy concerns, Comet stands out in utility and design, especially for power users. Rowan Cheung shares an honest review that highlights Comet's promise as a practical, evolving AI tool for everyday tasks.
Read more here.
SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:
That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.
Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉
EXCITING NEWS:
The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is on LinkedIn!!!
Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.
Comments