Moving to a New Duplex

Yes, this is a tech story.  But stick with it because it's not "techie" at all, but just a demonstration.  And I think you're find it utterly remarkable.

This is a demonstration video from C/NET about a new service that Google introduced last year, called Duplex, but it's been running under the radar in limited form.  You access it as part of the Google Assistant that's built into Android phones or can be downloaded to an iPhone.

To fully appreciate the video it's best not to know anything about the service beforehand, -- the version of the video in the original C/NET article had a title on it at the bottom of the screen which (if it appears here) you should do your best to avoid reading.  However, when I've tested the embedded version they provide, I didn't see the title, so all should be well.  Just click the Start arrow, and you're on your way.

(Alas, there's an ad that runs first, but it's quite short.)

I'll have a bit more about Duplex afterwards.  But for now, click away --

​

Okay, that's Duplex.  As C/NET says in it's article, when Google introduced the feature, its "way-too-human voice and mannerisms kind of freaked people out."  In an attempt to respond to some of the concerns of possible abuse and its future development, C/NET noted a few answers from Google to issues that were raised.

When a call begins, "Duplex will identify itself as a Google assistant and state the reason for the call. The call will also originate from a Google number, either (650) 203-0000 or (650) 206-5555."

Google says that, yes, Duplex phone calls are recorded, and "will disclose that information during the call in states that require disclosing that a call is being recorded."

Also, for businesses that don't want to received any Duplex calls, A company "can either call Google or change its Google My Business settings to not receive automated calls from the Google Assistant."

​And yes, it is absolutely remarkable technology already in its earliest stages -- and creepy.