Now, more people can use Google's 'human-like' Duplex AI
In a major development, Google Duplex, the AI that can make reservations with a realistic human-like voice, is reaching more people in the US. The feature was being rolled out in October, but now, Google has announced it's making it available in 43 US states. It works on Pixels at present but more phones are also lined up for support. Here are the details.
First up, what Duplex AI can do?
For those unaware, Duplex is a conversational AI designed for making Google Assistant more capable at handling real-world tasks. It converses just like a real human (with 'umms', 'ahhs' and pauses) and can be used for making haircut appointments and restaurant reservations, to name a few. The search giant demoed the tech last year and has been testing it in select cities since then.
How Duplex will make restaurant reservations?
With the wider availability of Duplex, any Pixel user can trigger Google Assistant and ask for a reservation in their neighborhood. The assistant will list a few restaurant options to choose from, and then throw some questions to take your booking preferences, including your preferred time/date and the number of people in the party. Then, it will make the call to book your table.
Duplex will work with restaurants accepting booking over phone
The feature should work with any restaurant that accepts booking over the phone but does not have an online reservation system. Also, Duplex would inform the party receiving the call that they are talking to an automated system and the call is being recorded.
When your phones will get Google Duplex
As of now, users of the original Pixel, Pixel 2, and Pixel 3 smartphones can use Duplex if they are in any of the 43 US states. However, the interesting part is, Google has confirmed Duplex will be coming to other Android and iOS devices in the coming weeks. This means many more Americans will soon have access to Duplex.
Questions remain over India release
That said, it still remains unclear when or if Duplex will come to India, which is one of the biggest smartphone markets. Notably, India already has assistant support to host Duplex, but the final answer still remains to be seen.
