Google is Launching Its Duplex-Based Phone Operator for Small Businesses

By Samra Anees

In March, Google announced that Google Duplex was rolling out; now, Google announces CallJoy, a small business phone that leverages Duplex capabilities to drive efficiency in small businesses. Google’s CallJoy is an answering service and virtual agent built for small businesses that can answer inbound calls, redirect callers to website links to book appointments and even block spam calls.

CallJoy is an Extension of Google Duplex

CallJoy answers inbound calls with a custom message and relays basic business information like the store’s operating hours. Customers can ask about setting up appointments or placing orders, and a confirmation link will be sent to them via text. If they are not calling from a mobile device or would like to speak to a business associate, the call will redirect to the regular business phone. CallJoy can also filter out spam calls. Regardless of automated calls or ones that are redirected to associates, CallJoy can also transcribe every call; and the entire service costs $39/month per line.

A Win for Small Businesses

CallJoy is a win for small business owners because it saves them time from tasks like answering basic inquiries on the phone. It’s like having a digital receptionist in every small business that only costs $39 a month. With small business owners and employees being unburdened from having to answer the phone for simple requests, they can focus on running their business and driving productivity rather than answering calls that can be handled by an automated device like CallJoy. Currently, the phone is only available to those who receive an invite or request early access, but after the initial launch stage, it will be available to all.

Bottom Line

Google’s CallJoy is a cost-efficient solution to help drive productivity and efficiency in small businesses. Further, it’s a good application of Google Duplex, which impressed us all with its appointment scheduling and human-like conversating capabilities. We will have to see how CallJoy impacts small business as it starts rolling out.