Google’s work on AI is something the company has been pursuing for years, but suffice to say that with the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and with Microsoft stepping up their AI game, it’s starting to feel like Google is now scrambling to play catch up.
In fact, as if to show they are serious about their AI efforts, Google has announced that they will be introducing various AI elements into a bunch of its products and services. This includes things like Google Workspace such as Google Docs, and also Gmail, where AI can be used to help users generate drafts simply by typing out a topic.
“Blank pages can stump the best of us. That’s why we’re embedding generative AI in Docs and Gmail to help people get started writing. Whether you’re a busy HR professional who needs to create customized job descriptions, or a parent drafting the invitation for your child’s pirate-themed birthday party, Workspace saves you the time and effort of writing that first version. 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.”
Google also made sure to note that AI isn’t here to replace the “ingenuity, creativity, and smarts of real people”, but rather to act as a guide which users can then use to further refine and add their own tone and flair to a document or email. At the moment these AI features are only available to trusted testers before they make their way to the public.