The virtual launch of Google Pixel 5 revealed a host of features that include the impressive 'Hold for Me' function.
The new Google Pixel 5 was recently launched in a virtual event hosted by Google. While it was the subject of numerous leaks and rumors, particularly the phone's detailed specifications, there was no mention of its software features. Today, many people got to see its plethora of features, among which is Google Assistant's 'Hold for Me' function which made its debut on Google Pixel 5 and 4a. Some say the feature very impressive as it can distinguish between recorded and live voice.
The 'Hold for Me' feature in Google Pixel 5 involves having the Google Assistant staying on the line until a real human being comes on for you to talk to. For instance, if you are placed on hold when calling a toll-free number, you can summon the Google Assistant to do the waiting instead of you staying in the line and wasting precious minutes. The feature can tell if the voice on the other end is still a recording or already that of a live human being, after which it will alert you that a real person is ready to talk to you.
In this era of automation where Interactive Voice Response or IVR is the norm for most businesses and organizations, yearning to talk to a real person to talk about some issues may involve waiting anywhere between a minute to half an hour. In some instances, you may find yourself waiting for an hour until an actual person takes over the IVR. With the 'Hold for Me' feature in Google Pixel 5, you no longer have to waste precious minutes waiting for a live human being to talk to you. The feature can differentiate if the one talking on the other end is still a recording or a real person.
Google Pixel 5's 'Hold for Me' feature also includes easily-seen prompts stating "Don't Hang Up" and another that says "Return To Call," which you can press as soon as Google Assistant informs you that it is no longer a recording at the other end of the line but a live human being ready to take your call. There is also a text transcript that shows up at the bottom of your phone's screen showing you in detail what is happening.
When a live human being finally gets on the line, your Google Pixel 5 will ring and vibrate, informing you that it is no longer a recording. To make sure that the person at the other end does not hang up, Google Assistant will ask them to hold for a moment so it can inform you to return to the call. According to Google, the 'Hold for Me' feature is powered by Google Duplex, an Artificial Intelligence system used by the company to accomplish real-world tasks over the phone. Google said that the feature is still in preview and at the moment, is only available in the United States, though the company said that more users may access it in the coming months.
