Google has released its initial set of Gmail and Docs writing tools powered by AI to select beta testers.
This is an effort to enable Workspace users to use the potential of generative AI for creation, connection, and collaboration. According to Johanna Wright, product VP for Google Workspace, improvements in AI are already making three billion users of Google’s productivity suite more efficient. This includes using smart compose and smart reply, creating summaries for Documents, appearing more professional in meetings, and avoiding malware and phishing assaults.
Wright noted that getting this right and at scale is something they take seriously as the most widely used and secure cloud-native communication and collaboration suite in the world.
“We know from our deep experience in AI and productivity that building features with AI requires great care, thoughtful experimentation, and many iterations driven by user feedback,” she said.
“We do all this while building safeguards against abuse, protecting the privacy of user data, and respecting customer control for data governance.”
Throughout the course of the year, Google will gradually introduce the new generative AI experiences to selected testers before making them widely accessible. Users will be able to draught, reply, summarise, and prioritise Gmail, according to a statement from the internet giant. Additionally, they will be able to use Docs for brainstorming, editing, writing, and rewriting. Students will also be able to use auto-generated graphics, music, video, and slide presentations to bring their creative visions to life. With the help of contextual categorization, auto-completion, and formula generation in Sheets as well as the ability to create new backdrops and record notes in Meet, users will be able to move from raw data to insights and analysis.
Starting with Docs and Gmail
To assist people in starting to write, Google has integrated generative AI into Documents and Gmail. Wright said that using Workspace will help people save time and effort when composing their first draughts.
“Simply type a topic you’d like to write about and a draft will instantly be generated for you. With your collaborative AI partner, you can continue to refine and edit, getting more suggestions as needed,” she said. The new generative AI capabilities will aid in rewriting in situations where one needs assistance creating a job description, selecting the appropriate tone and style, or wishing to turn a list of bullet points into a more polished summary for sharing.
“If you’re in the mood to let AI try out a new playful voice altogether, you’ll be able to hit the “I’m feeling lucky” option in Gmail,” Wright said.
Keeping users in control
AI cannot replace the human intellect, creativity, and intelligence, according to Wright, who remarked that this after testing the technology.
“Sometimes the AI gets things wrong, sometimes it delights you with something offbeat, and oftentimes it requires guidance,” she said.
By allowing AI to make ideas that a user is able to accept, amend, and change, Google is committed to developing products that adhere to its AI principles and keep the user in control. Beginning with English in the US, Google will roll out these new experiences this month through its trusted tester programme. After that, Google will improve and iterate on experiences before making them more widely accessible to consumers, startups, large corporations, and educational institutions across a wider range of nations and languages.
“In the same way we revolutionized real-time collaboration with co-authoring in Docs 17 years ago, we’re excited to transform creation and collaboration all over again in Workspace in this new era of AI,” Wright said.