Google launched its AI Mode in South Africa in the second half of last year. Now, the company has added an additional feature for the country. It’s aimed at the sort of people who find other humans dreary (or who struggle to pick up a phone).
AI Mode hopes to upskill (and dehumanise) your dinner plans, letting users “go from planning to booking in just a few steps,” according to the company’s blog post. The impression the post gives is that the feature is aimed more at visitors hoping to indulge in “South Africa’s world-class dining scene” than at locals. But if you live here, you can probably use the feature too.
Google how to avoid human contact
Google says users can put a specific query to AI Mode’s Ask Anything section, with dining requirements and desired availability. After that, the AI will take care of the rest.
“AI Mode will then search across multiple booking platforms and websites to find real-time availability for options that fit what you need. It will show you a curated list to choose from, with direct links so you can finalise your booking through trusted local and global partners like Dineplan.”
The function removes the need for additional human interaction, sure. Whether it’s noticeably quicker than looking up a restaurant’s phone number and giving them a call remains to be seen. But, as with the company’s other recent AI features, it’s all about getting folks to use Google’s AI services. Still, if you hate talking on the phone but still like to eat out, this one’s for you.
