Google brings generative AI to Workspace productivity tools

OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology has been making headlines for its ability to mimic human speech and generate human-like text. Google has become concerned about the future of its search business due to its meteoric rise to fame. As a result, the search giant has revealed that it plans to incorporate a slew of generative AI features into some of its Workspace productivity tools.

Which Google Workspace tools will have generative AI?

Google plans to incorporate generative AI into Gmail, Docs, Slides, Sheets, Meet, and Chat. Starting this month, Gmail and Docs will be the first to get a taste of AI-powered writing features.

How will generative AI boost productivity?

Google cites a number of use cases where generative AI can help boost productivity. HR professionals can create drafts for a job description by tapping Google’s AI capabilities. A sample Google Docs demo shows a prompt that says “Help me write” appearing first thing in a blank document. After a request for, say, a “job post for a regional sales rep” is entered, the AI bot conjures up a job description in a matter of seconds. Once the AI-generated text is completed, users can edit and customize the draft to meet specific requirements.

In Gmail, users can do things like write a draft, reply to messages, or summarize text. The tool can also build off text users have written by applying styles such as Formalize, Bulletize, Elaborate, or Shorten. Users can even click the “I’m feeling lucky” button to have their draft rewritten in a random tone.

What other AI features are coming?

Google says that the AI will be able to automatically generate images, audio, and video in Slides, or even create new backgrounds in Meet and generate meeting notes. These features will be available in English in the United States through Google’s trusted tester program.

Google wants to gain the upper hand in the AI game, especially after Microsoft showed off how AI would reshape Bing search. Not wanting to get left behind, the Mountain View-based search behemoth recently unveiled its own conversational AI known as Bard, its response to Bing’s integration with ChatGPT.