Google has revealed that it is introducing a range of AI-assisted features to its productivity apps, including Google Docs and Gmail. The announcement follows the recent release of Open AI’s GPT-4, in which Microsoft is a major investor, and comes ahead of Microsoft’s online event focused on AI and productivity software.
In the highly competitive world of big tech, generative AI is becoming a key battleground as companies race to incorporate similar capabilities into their products. What sets Google’s AI-powered features apart is that they are aligned with the company’s AI principles, which aim to keep the user in control and ensure that AI is seen as a helpful tool.
The new features will initially be available to a select group of trusted testers in the US but are expected to become more widely available globally by the end of the year. The AI functionality will be integrated into several of Google’s productivity tools, including Gmail, Sheets, Docs, and Slides, although it is not yet clear whether a subscription plan will be introduced.
Google Workspace’s mission has always been "to meaningfully connect people so they can create, build, and grow together," and the introduction of AI-powered features aims to help users achieve this in new and innovative ways. For example, users will be able to generate drafts of written content by inputting a topic and selecting a tone and style. They can then edit and refine their writing with the assistance of AI-generated suggestions.
Other features of the new AI functionality include the ability to create auto-generated images, audio, and video in Slides; to turn raw data into insights and analysis using auto-completion and contextual categorization in Sheets; and to generate new backgrounds and capture notes in Meet. The AI will also enable workflows for completing tasks in chat.
While Google’s AI-powered features are sure to be a hit with users, the company has taken care to ensure that they are implemented in a way that is both user-friendly and respects individual privacy. By keeping the user in control, Google hopes to deliver a seamless workspace experience that allows users to collaborate and communicate with ease.
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