Google Search adds agentic capabilities to automate local business enquiries

Google has announced the expansion of its artificial intelligence (AI) features in Search, introducing new “agentic capabilities” and broader access to its advanced Gemini AI models.

The agentic functionality, now being rolled out to users in the United States, allows Google Search to perform certain tasks on behalf of users, including making phone calls to local businesses. This new feature is designed to collect real-time information such as pricing and appointment availability without requiring users to make direct contact.

According to Google, users can search for services like 'pet groomers near me' and select the option to 'Have AI check pricing.' The AI tool will then contact relevant businesses using automated calls and consolidate the responses into a summary to help users compare their options.

“From pet grooming to dry cleaning needs, Search can now call businesses to get pricing and availability information on your behalf — without you needing to pick up the phone,” Google said in a statement. The company added that the feature aggregates details across multiple businesses, offering users a streamlined view of local service offerings.

While potentially beneficial to users, the feature will also introduce AI-generated voice interactions to local businesses, which may require some adjustment for recipients of these automated calls.

In addition to the agentic capabilities, Google is also expanding access to its Gemini 2.5 Pro model through AI Mode. Subscribers to the Google AI Pro service can now select the Gemini 2.5 Pro model via a drop-down menu, which the company says is better suited for complex reasoning, mathematical queries, and coding tasks.

Google noted that while the default AI Mode will continue to handle general queries, the 2.5 Pro model will offer enhanced support for more demanding tasks. Users with AI Ultra and AI Pro subscriptions will have higher usage limits under the new rollout.

These developments are part of Google’s ongoing integration of AI into its core services, as it continues to explore practical applications for large language models across search and productivity tools.

The agentic calling feature is now available for Search users in the U.S., with no announced timeline for international expansion.