Google Reveals Upcoming AI Features for Google Docs and Gmail

 

AI Features Unveiled for Google Workspace Apps

Google has recently unveiled a range of upcoming generative AI features for its Workspace applications, such as Google Docs, Gmail, Sheets, and Slides. These features aim to improve user experience by providing new ways to generate, summarize, and brainstorm text with AI in Google Docs (analogous to OpenAI’s ChatGPT), generating complete emails in Gmail based on brief bullet points provided by users, and producing AI-generated images, audio, and video for presentations in Slides (similar to Microsoft Designer, powered by OpenAI’s DALL-E, and Canva, powered by Stable Diffusion).

Google Determined to Stay Competitive in AI

This announcement highlights Google's determination to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Since ChatGPT's introduction last year and Microsoft's release of its chatbot-enabled Bing in February, Google has been working diligently to develop and launch comparable AI features. In December, the company reportedly declared a "code red," with senior management directing employees to incorporate AI tools into all user products, which are utilized by billions of people worldwide, within a few months.

May Be Moving Too Quickly

However, Google may be moving too quickly. Although numerous new features have been announced, only the AI writing tools in Docs and Gmail will be initially available to a select group of US-based "trusted testers" this month. Google has stated that these features, along with others, will be made available to the public later in the year, although no specific timeline has been provided.

Full List of AI Features

The full list of AI-powered features that Google plans to introduce to Workspace applications in the future includes:

• Draft, reply, summarize, and prioritize your Gmail.
• Brainstorm, proofread, write, and rewrite in Docs.
• Bring your creative vision to life with auto-generated images, audio, and video in Slides.
• Go from raw data to insights and analysis via auto-completion, formula generation, and contextual categorization in Sheets.
• Generate new backgrounds and capture notes in Meet.
• Enable workflows for getting things done in Chat.

AI Writing and Brainstorming Tools

Among these new features, the AI writing and brainstorming tools in Docs and Gmail appear to be the most potentially useful. A sample demo showcases a user entering a request for a job post, and the AI system quickly generates a job description that the user can then edit and refine.

Save Time and Effort For Users

Google's press release expands on the potential applications of these features, stating that Workspace can save users time and effort when creating content, from customized job descriptions for HR professionals to invitations for children's birthday parties. Users can simply input a topic, and a draft will be generated instantly, with the AI partner providing additional suggestions as needed.

Rewrite or Expand Text Using AI

A similar feature will allow users to rewrite or expand text using AI tools. Google Docs can transform a few bullet points about a work meeting into a more polished summary, with users able to manually specify the tone. Video demos demonstrate AI being used to write personalized marketing messages for clients, converting bullet points into full emails, and summarizing the contents of lengthy email chains in Gmail.

Microsoft is Developing Similar Features for Office

It is worth noting that Microsoft is rumored to be developing similar features for its Office suite of apps, including Word, Teams, and Outlook. Microsoft has an event scheduled for later this week on March 16th to discuss its plans for "the future of work with AI."

The Rush to Launch AI Products

However, the rush to launch AI products also has its drawbacks. AI text-generating programs can be unreliable, often generating false information or perpetuating biases present in their training data. As Google incorporates this technology into its enterprise software, these shortcomings could lead to serious issues, such as misattributing quotations or ideas in AI-generated meeting summaries or creating fictional clients or products in marketing emails. Google acknowledges these challenges, stating that AI can sometimes be incorrect, offbeat, or require guidance. As users become more reliant on AI-powered tools, striking the right balance between utility and accuracy will be crucial to ensure a positive user experience.

AI Sometimes Backfires

While users might find humor in Microsoft's Bing chatbot going awry, they may be less forgiving of an "offbeat" AI that leads to financial losses or professional setbacks. As such, Google will need to address the potential pitfalls of AI integration in its enterprise software while maximizing the benefits to maintain a competitive edge in the market.

Ethical AI Development

Moreover, as AI continues to transform the way people work and interact with technology, it becomes increasingly important for companies like Google and Microsoft to prioritize ethical AI development and deployment. This includes addressing concerns about privacy, data security, and the potential for AI-generated misinformation.

The Race to Win the AI Market

In conclusion, Google's announcement of its upcoming AI-powered features for Workspace applications showcases the company's ambition to stay at the forefront of the AI race. The introduction of AI tools in Docs, Gmail, Sheets, and Slides has the potential to revolutionize productivity and efficiency for billions of users worldwide. However, as Google moves forward with these developments, striking a balance between innovation and responsible AI deployment will be essential to ensure that users can fully benefit from the transformative potential of AI in the world of productivity software.

Source:  Google announces AI features in Gmail, Docs, and more to rival Microsoft

Image:  Gerd Altmann from Pixabay