The days of listening to elevator music on hold could soon be a thing of the past.
Google is testing a feature called "Talk to a live representative," 9To5Google reports, where the search giant places a customer service call, waits on hold until a representative picks up, and then calls you back once they're finally on the line.
The feature is currently available to members of the Search Labs community, which tests new Google products, on the Google app and Chrome for desktop. Roughly 30 companies — including airlines, telephone companies, retailers, insurance companies, and delivery services — are participating in the test, according to 9To5Google.
After providing your phone number, Google will text updates and show estimated wait times on an ensuing webpage.
Google recently started showing customer service numbers as Knowledge Panels — or authoritative info boxes appearing at the top of search results, 9To5Google reports.
In order to request a callback — and get on with your life without a phone attached to your ear — users can also specify why they're calling. For airlines, for instance, there are options to update bookings, resolve luggage issues, or handle canceled and missed flights.
Of course, while many companies already offer callback services, 9To5Google reported that providing them at the top of Google could make cutting down on wait times infinitely more accessible.
