Android users can say goodbye to mind-numbingly long phone queues.
Google is reportedly testing a new feature called 'Talk to a Live Representative' that allows the company’s software to do the process automatically.
With this new feature, users no longer need to navigate through automated options or endure misunderstandings from machines when trying to get through to a real person.
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According to 9to5Google, the software will 'help you place the call, wait on hold, and then give you a call once a live representative is available.'
Essentially, the software will call a business for you, navigate through its long-winded options - and wait on hold for you. Users will then be notified when there’s a real human on the other end to talk to.
Despite being a phone feature, it's not accessible in the phone app. It's only available when you search for a company’s customer support number in Chrome or Safari - so long as the company supports the feature.
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Also, since it's a release from Google, non-pixel Android devices like Samsung as well as iPhone users will be able to experience the new feature by downloading it through the Google app.
It works like this.
If the company you're contacting supports the feature, the 'Request a call' button should appear.
To 'Request a call', you must first specify a reason for why you’re calling, to which Google will work its magic, providing you with SMS updates on its progress.
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For example, if it's an airline, the navigation journey would look like this: Update existing booking > Luggage issue > Cancelled flight > Other issue > Flight check-in > Missed my flight > Delayed flight.
It's something similar to the auto options you see when you speak to an automated chat advisor on a company website - with the added relief of speaking to a real person at the end.
Android leaker Mishaal Rahman wrote on X: 'Not all businesses are supported, but several airlines, carriers, retailers, and other companies are.'
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9to5Google listed quite a few companies that are rolling out the feature including Southwest Airlines, Best Buy, Costco, Gamestop, Fedex, and UPS.
The feature was initially spotted by X user Sterling, who claimed that it was similar to Google Pixel's existing feature called 'Hold for Me'.
However, instead of joining the call after being placed on hold, the newly announced feature initiates the call on the user's behalf.