Ask HN: AI hype vs. reality: how are startups using it?

We are using AI voice in a customer service for a while and quite happy with results. We understand that AI voice agents aren’t here to replace humans entirely. Customers still want empathy, problem-solving, and sometimes a bit of friendly banter—things machines can’t fully master (yet). But by taking over repetitive, low-value calls, AI allows human teams to focus on building relationships, solving complex issues. Today AI tools are transforming customer service by making calls more efficient and human-like. For instance, they can analyze tone in real-time and handle tasks like appointment setting without needing a full team. One effective approach is using voice agents that integrate with your existing systems. They qualify leads faster, reduce costs, and boost conversions—I've seen reports of 10% more qualified leads. A great example is Coldi.ai, which offers customizable AI agents.