Google Workspace is Getting New Generative AI Features

Google announced today that it’s bringing new generative AI capabilities to its Google Workspace productivity suite. Gmail and Google Docs will be the first apps to receive new AI-powered features, and these experiences will become available for select users later this month.

The new generative AI capabilities in Google Docs will allow users to generate a draft from a specific topic, similar to how ChatGPT or the Bing chatbot works. “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,” explained Johanna Voolich Wright, VP of Google Workspace.

Gmail is also getting similar generative AI capabilities to help users draft and summarize emails. Gmail will be able to create a complete email from a couple of bullet points, and Google is also adding the “I’m feeling lucky” feature from Google Search to let users get more creative results.

“We’re designing our products in accordance with Google’s AI Principles that keep the user in control, letting AI make suggestions that you’re able to accept, edit, and change. We’ll also deliver the corresponding administrative controls so that IT is able to set the right policies for their organization,” the exec emphasized.

Google will proceed carefully with the rollout of these new generative AI capabilities in Google Workspace. They will become available via Google’s trusted tester program later this month, though only in English in the US. Google will be listening to feedback before expanding them to other markets and languages.

Google is already working on other AI-powered features for its Slides, Sheets, Meet, and Chat apps, the company said today. The AI race is just getting started, and Microsoft is also expected to announce new AI-powered features for its Office apps very soon.