Google's launching an "early experiment" feature on Pixel 11 that lets users delegate local business calls to Gemini, like making a reservation, checking if a product is in stock, or rescheduling an appointment. According to Google, you don't even need to start the call to have Gemini handle it for you: Instead of dialing yourself, just tell Gemini to call on your behalf using the Gemini app on your Pixel. Gemini will call the business, introduce itself, navigate automated ph
Google's Gemini AI can now make phone calls to businesses on behalf of users through a new feature on Pixel 11 devices. The AI can handle entire conversations including navigating automated menus, waiting on hold, and speaking with representatives, while users maintain control through a live transcript and can take over the call at any time. This feature differs from a similar capability Google announced previously, which did not allow users to take over calls. The new calling feature is rolling out as an early preview for paid Gemini subscribers enrolled in the Phone by Google Public Beta on Pixel 11 in the United States.
Want to go deeper than the news? Explore live, cohort-based AI courses taught by practitioners.
Browse AI courses on Maven
Moving AI from text to 3D space, world models simulate real-world physics to teach robots and autonomous cars how to navigate reality.

Perplexity is taking on OpenAI and Anthropic with its own work-focused AI agents. The startup's new always-on "Teammates" can take on multiple roles within a workspace, while pulling existing projects, skills, and memory from the Perplexity tools you already use. Teammates integrate with Perplexity Computer, an AI system that can deploy agents on your device to complete tasks. But Perplexity says Teammates "build on top" of Computer by offering the ability to collaborate and co
Also reported by The Decoder

Airbnb says its upcoming AI agent will help travelers plan trips, compare options, manage bookings, and get assistance throughout their stay.
Also reported by The Verge

AI agents won't be stealing Uber's lunch any time soon. Only four rides were arranged by third-party AI agents during the third quarter of 2026, Uber executives disclosed during an earnings call this morning. The volume of Uber Eats orders fulfilled by AI agents was a little higher, with the company recording "around 500" during the week of Halloween, out of a total 320 million Uber rides and Uber Eats deliveries. This is the first time that Uber has disclosed the number of t
Also reported by TechCrunch

AI usage keeps climbing, but spending has stalled. Price cuts and smarter cost controls among the biggest spenders could challenge investor assumptions about AI hypergrowth.

Meta now lets you have voice conversations with your Muse AI agent in real time, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced today. The feature has been rolled out to me, and I gave it a spin on the iOS app while writing this article. As you chat with your Muse agent, the avatar at the top of your conversation animates in time with the words that it's saying. You can also change the tone of the voice by just asking your agent about what you want and letting it decide or by browsing through a