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by ryanmonroe 2955 days ago
What do you mean? Has Google patented the use of computer-generated voices / language to contact a business?
1 comments

No (or perhaps yes), but they are a big player, and this is a typical winner-takes-all situation. Soon everybody will access business X through Google, and this gives Google power over these businesses, just like Amazon has power over third-party sellers, for instance. For the consumer it means a minor convenience, but for the business-owner it means tougher competition, and loss of identity of their business. It's like selling software for years, then suddenly Apple comes along, "forces" you to use the AppStore, and demands a cut.

In short: the problem is that a company now regulates your market.