Google tests AI-driven calling feature for Pixel 11 Gemini users

Google has begun testing a fresh function within its Gemini AI that can make phone calls for users, at first available only to Gemini subscribers using the Pixel 11 phone in the United States.

Termed an “AI‑calling” tool, the capability enables the model to ring a business, deliver a pre‑written request, and send the reply back to the user’s handset, essentially converting the phone into a voice‑assistant that manages everyday call tasks.

During its most recent AI event, Google revealed the experiment, stating that the initial rollout will target a limited group of Pixel 11 owners who have signed up for the paid Gemini subscription. Users can trigger the feature via the Gemini app, choose a contact or company, and state the reason for the call.

This step aligns with a wider industry shift toward conversational AI that serves as a middleman for routine activities. Rivals like Microsoft’s Copilot and Amazon’s Alexa have rolled out comparable voice‑automation tools, yet Google embeds the capability straight into its large‑language model instead of a stand‑alone voice assistant.

Privacy groups have voiced concerns regarding the storage and handling of call recordings and personal information. Google assures that every conversation is encrypted end‑to‑end and that users may erase transcripts whenever they wish, though it has not clarified how long raw audio will be kept.

Analysts view the trial as a means for Google to measure appetite for hands‑free calling, particularly among younger users who favor texting to speaking. Should the experiment succeed, the company might roll the feature out to additional Pixel models and later to Android phones made by other brands.

The subscription approach also indicates Google’s plan to generate revenue from Gemini beyond the free tier introduced earlier this year. By packaging premium features such as AI‑calling, Google aims to establish a steady income source and set its product apart from free competitors.

At present, the capability is optional and confined to a select group, yet Google intends to gather input on call quality, the precision of the AI’s speech synthesis, and any misunderstandings. This information will guide the decision to broaden the service to a larger audience in late 2024.

As AI keeps narrowing the gap between software and personal assistants, the option to delegate phone calls may transform how shoppers engage with businesses—whether booking reservations or confirming appointments—without ever lifting the handset.