Google Launches Generative AI for Workspace

Google is providing testers with access to its new generative AI writing features for Google Workspace.

The features will help users to draft, summarise, and reply to emails in Gmail, write and proofread in Docs, auto-generate media in Slides, draw insights and analysis in Sheets, create backgrounds and notes in Meet, and enable workflows in Chat.

Google is planning to make the AI updates publicly available, following a review phase carried out through its trusted tester programme over the year.

Johanna Voolich Wright, Vice President, Product, Google Workspace, said:

“We’re now making it possible for Workspace users to harness the power of generative AI to create, connect, and collaborate like never before.

“To start, we’re introducing a first set of AI-powered writing features in Docs and Gmail to trusted testers.

“As the world’s most popular and secure cloud-native communication and collaboration suite, getting this right — and at scale — is something we take very seriously.

“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.

“We do all this while building safeguards against abuse, protecting the privacy of user data, and respecting customer controls for data governance.”

Generative AI for Docs and Gmail

Generative AI, the breakthrough technology which can create text, images, and audio on request, is now being integrated into Google Docs and Gmail.

Users of both docs and Gmail will be able to use the AI integration to generate instant drafts on any topics of their choosing. The tool can subsequently be used to make edits and create further suggestions. A rewriting function is also included to help users capture the right tone and include content they would like to be included.

Google says that it recognises artificial intelligence is no replacement for people and, in accordance with its AI Principles, it is ensuring that the user retains complete control over the AI software. AI content creation will serve as suggestions that users are able to accept, reject, edit, or change.

“The Best is Yet to Come”

“The best is yet to come”, according to Google, which says its AI-based capabilities will improve with the feedback of its trusted tester programme.

Beginning with English in the United States, the AI will be improved and expanded to serve more consumers, businesses, and users globally.

Wright comments: “When it comes to delivering the full potential of generative AI across Workspace, we’re just getting started.

“In the same way that 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.”

Earlier this month, Google added eight new updates to Google Workspace, including improved filters in Sheets, expanded noise cancellation in Meet and dial-in phone participants, suggested work locations in Calendar, notes on Android home screens in Keep, and more.

Also this month, Google launched its rival to ChatGPT, ‘Bard’. The new chatbot tool has been created to simulate human conversation and provide helpful responses to questions using natural language processing and machine learning.

The utility of this AI technology has already sparked a strong uptake within the unified communications sector. Slack announced that it will incorporate ChatGPT to provide its users with conversation summaries, research tools, and writing assistance. Salesforce has deployed ‘Einstein GPT’ to create personalised content. 8×8 added OpenAI’s Whisper model to its ‘XCaaS’ (eXperience Communications as a Service) platform and, yesterday, GoTo deployed ChatGPT for UCC (unified communications and collaboration) and IT.