Google releases first generative AI features for Gmail and Docs testers

Google releases its first generative AI features for Docs and Gmail. With the generative AI, according to Google, users can, for example, ask Docs to write a vacancy text, or invites to a children’s party. The AI ​​functions are for testers only for now.

The Docs and Gmail feature should help users writing certain texts. In a ‘Help me write’ text box, users can indicate what kind of text they want to create, such as a job description for a particular position. Google’s generative AI then writes that text, including expected responsibilities, qualifications, and a job description. Certain text boxes, such as the company name, can then be filled in by the user.

The second function is called rewrite and lets users write a text, after which Google’s generative AI can rewrite it to make the text appear more formal, for example. You can also be more playful, with the ‘I’m feeling lucky’ option. Users can also choose to make the text shorter or longer, or have it rewritten by Google’s AI based on bullet points.

Google says that AI cannot replace human creativity and ingenuity and therefore says that the user always remains in control of the text. The user can therefore always delete or modify the text. The company says these features are “just the beginning” and wants to incorporate generative AI into Slides, Sheets, Meet, and Chat. For example, the company talks about AI that takes notes from a Meets meeting, makes a presentation of it in Slides and then provides this presentation with self-made images.

The company says it wants to roll out generative AI slowly, in a controlled manner and based on user feedback. Therefore, the Docs and Gmail features announced today are only available to “trusted testers” in the United States for now. For these users, the features should become available this month. After that, other users will only get the AI ​​functions, although it is not clear when this would be.

Generative AI is artificial intelligence that creates text, images or other content based on user input. Since OpenAI released the ChatGPT model at the end of last year, this form of AI has gained momentum. Google wants its biggest products to get generative AI as soon as possible, according to a Bloomberg source. In addition, the company has Tuesday released APIs for developers to use to experiment with generative AI.