More businesses are being offered Google’s AI agent for Business Profile messaging, Search Engine Roundtable reported Thursday. Customers reach a business from Search and Maps through their phone’s native texting app. The agent replies to routine questions, such as daily specials or Saturday availability, and passes anything it cannot handle to the owner, who can take over whenever they choose. Conversations stay visible inside the profile, and Google describes the pilot as free.
One restriction applies. The agent works only when a customer’s carrier and handset both handle RCS messaging. Everyone else reaches the owner by ordinary text, and regular messaging charges can apply. Google’s early-access email, shared by Mike Blumenthal, frames the pilot around restaurants.
Treat this as a data-quality project before a switch to flip. Per Search Engine Roundtable, the agent is only as reliable as the profile information behind it. Confirm menu, hours, and services are current, name the person who monitors handoffs, and read early conversations for wrong answers. Google has published no accuracy controls in this rollout.
Source: Search Engine Roundtable (Barry Schwartz), October 29, 2026.
