• by Laurie Sullivan , Staff Writer @lauriesullivan, Yesterday

LocaliQ unveiled its next version of a conversational AI Voice Agent on Tuesday, extending Dash’s existing SMS agent function to include voice conversations, creating an omnichannel system designed to engage potential customers through automation.

The agent resides in Dash, an AI-powered prospect and lead-management software solution that helps businesses attract, engage, and convert potential customers through automated, intelligent conversations.

The agent adds voice capabilities to create a seamless omnichannel customer engagement experience, the company said.

It builds on Dash’s AI-powered SMS agent. The move shows that the next generation of customer-service voice bots are here, spurred by advances in AI, other technology, and deep pockets to finance the shift.

Bill Scanlon, general manager of LocaliQ, which Gannett acquired through the acquisition of ReachLocal in August 2026, believes AI-driven customer engagement is the future in marketing.

“Every unanswered phone call represents not just lost revenue, but a missed relationship,” he said.

Marketers who practice prompting leads -- especially in campaigns -- have already seen an increase in output, according to Microsoft.

A significant 85% of marketers using generative AI say it has improved their productivity across content and ad creation.

For services such as building leads, AI and voice are the perfect combination to build leads.

Extending Dash from SMS to voice, LocaliQ gives businesses a direct way to turn each call into a live conversation that becomes a qualified lead.

The tool combines AI that understands what callers say based on the words and sentiment used, with past transactional data increases the reliability for businesses looking to secure new customers.  

Advanced natural-language processing powers the tool, allowing consumers to engage in a two-way conversation in real-time. Agents guide consumers through the sales funnel even outside of business hours, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

The concept of always-on sales that began in the mid-1990s has transitioned to always-on services. Roughly one in four calls go unanswered these days, says LocaliQ, which represents a significant loss in potential revenue.

Capabilities include Omnichannel Conversational AI to support voice and SMS agents 24/7, AI insight engine, lead activity and reporting, and technology that can qualify and route potential customers that competitors might miss.