Google pilots AI-powered phone calls for Pixel 11 Gemini subscribers

Google is piloting a new capability in its Gemini AI that can place phone calls on behalf of users, initially limited to subscribers of the Gemini service on the Pixel 11 smartphone in the United States.

The feature, described as an “AI‑calling” tool, lets the model dial a business, convey a scripted request, and relay the response back to the user’s device, effectively turning the phone into a voice‑assistant that handles routine phone interactions.

Google announced the test during its latest AI event, noting that the rollout will begin with a small cohort of Pixel 11 owners who have opted into the paid Gemini subscription. Participants will be able to activate the function through the Gemini app, selecting a contact or business and dictating the purpose of the call.

The move follows a broader industry trend toward conversational AI that can act as an intermediary in everyday tasks. Competitors such as Microsoft’s Copilot and Amazon’s Alexa have introduced similar voice‑automation capabilities, but Google’s approach integrates the function directly into its large‑language model rather than a separate voice assistant.

Privacy advocates have raised questions about how call recordings and personal data will be stored and processed. Google says all conversations will be encrypted end‑to‑end and that users can delete transcripts at any time, but the company has not yet disclosed the duration for which raw audio will be retained.

Analysts see the test as a way for Google to gauge user demand for hands‑free phone interactions, especially among younger consumers who prefer texting over speaking. If the trial proves successful, the firm could expand the feature to other Pixel models and eventually to Android devices from other manufacturers.

The subscription model also signals Google’s intent to monetize Gemini beyond the free tier that launched earlier this year. By bundling premium functionalities like AI‑calling, the company hopes to create a recurring revenue stream while differentiating its offering from free alternatives.

For now, the feature remains optional and limited to a controlled group, but Google plans to collect feedback on call quality, accuracy of the AI’s speech synthesis, and any miscommunication incidents. The data will inform whether the service can be opened to a broader audience later in 2024.

As AI continues to blur the line between software and personal assistant, the ability to delegate phone calls could reshape how consumers interact with businesses, from making reservations to confirming appointments, without ever picking up the handset.