Highlights:
Google rolled out its human-resembling AI based calling service Duplex to its Pixel phones late last year. Now, it is being rolled out to all iPhones that have the Google Assistant app installed and more Android phones in the US. Google confirmed broader rollout of Duplex to The Verge and said that it will be available on all iPhones that have the Google Assistant app installed and all devices running on Android 5.0 or higher versions. Using Google Duplex, one can ask the Google Assistant to call and complete some tasks for the user, like making reservations at a restaurant, or booking an appointment at a barbershop.
The Google Duplex service could be rolled out in stages and might not be available for all users right away. It is currently limited to the English language and is available in 43 US states. It’s not confirmed whether the feature will be made available in other countries and in other languages. Google unveiled Duplex at its I/O 2018 event with a rather impressive demonstration, which left viewers both concerned and in awe. Google used Duplex to call and book a table at a restaurant and the person on the other end didn’t realise they were talking to a robot. Google didn't initiate the conversation by saying that its a software that's on the call and many concerns were raised that the service could be easily misused.
Google had reportedly been readying Duplex for being tested with a limited group of users. A previous report tipped that when the service rolls out for everyone, it would start small by first placing calls for enquiring about the opening and closing times of a place. This would supposedly be followed by more complex routines like making restaurant reservations and haircut appointments. Using Deep Mind’s Wavenet AI, Google generates a voice for Google Assistant that sounds quite realistic. It is trained further to speak naturally and can emphasise phrases based on the context, adjust the pitch and tone of its voice, and switch between seven voices.
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Google I/O 2018: Here's what you didn't know about Google Duplex and Assistant calling