Finding it tiresome typing out text messages or responding to all that is unfolding on social media? If Google gets its way, your communication obligations will be put into the capable hands of an AI-based auto-reply system called Reply.

The system, which is currently being tested at Google’s Area 120 product lab, is designed to work with Google’s Hangouts and Allo, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Android Messages, Skype, Twitter direct messages and Slack.

Relying on AI-based recommended replies, the system has been described by Area 120 in an email that states: “You probably get a lot of chat messages. And you want to be there for people, but also for people in the real world. What if replying were literally one tap away?”

The system is capable of discerning what is being communicated to you via text or messaging and will suggest “one-tap” answers to respond to such communications. Additionally, Google will also consider other factors such as your location, calendar and other information when tailoring those responses. For instance, if someone were to text the question “When will you be home?” the system could offer up a fairly specific response using information such as your current location and your preferred mode of transportation.

Using information from your calendar, Reply will also be able to notify those attempting to contact you that you are on vacation, activating an advanced do not disturb mode that silences your phone. However, Reply will also scan incoming messages, alerting you if something critical appears there.

According to the Area 120 email, “Reply can make sure to get your attention even when your phone is silent. There will be no escape.”

To contact the author of this article, email mdonlon@globalspec.com