According to Search Engine Land, Google My Business is testing out a new pilot program that will allow some businesses to chat with customers through the knowledge graph panel.
The chat feature is added to your local listing on Google when someone searches your brand’s name which will initiate a chat between the customer and business. The messaging goes through the businesses’ SMS number or through Google Allo.
This feature is available via invite only, so if you are lucky enough to have been selected, you should have received an email.
Below is a screenshot of how the live chat will look:
