Why does Google want to push auto-reply technology?

Google has recent filed a patent application for technology that automatically replies to messages on your behalf. Why is Google trying to push this technology and why do they think it will be appealing to consumers? 

What makes Google think users want canned messages? Google filed a patent application, published November 19, for algorithmically driven auto-reply. As you might expect, the messages aren’t really “canned” in the way that an email vacation auto-reply might be. It’s actually quite Googlish. Here’s what Google is up to, and why you might actually love this technology.