Google Workspace is expanding beta testing for generative AI in Google Docs and Gmail to the first public testers before the public rollout.

In the past month, Google announced that it would introduce artificial intelligence into its dominant products, which have become a significant part of everyone’s lives. I agree that those products are already advanced, with features like Smart Compose and Smart Reply. The pace of Google’s future vision was especially driven by Microsoft’s chat medium. Google will soon introduce AI to Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, Chat, and Slides.

However, at the time of the announcement, Google said they would test a few AI tools over Gmail and Docs, limited to selected US-trusted testers. The latest announcement states that such a test program will be expanded to 10 times the previous level. We found that many users needed to learn what Google intended to do despite publicly making both announcements. Most newbies need clarification on both of these announcements. We will discuss this here to help those users relax.

Google expands Docs testing for generative AI: For US testers only.

If you know the basic theme behind Google Workspace, you’ll see that they aim to create a place where people can work together effectively. They’ve added numerous things that can transform a team effort with a pinch of smart work. Gmail’s Smart Compose and Smart Reply are examples. The next generation is based on AI and related tools. ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and similar products have already started.

Google took action, especially after Microsoft’s Bing’s artificial intelligence (GPT-4) announcement. Google adopted LLM AI (large language model), which is known for converting large languages into small natural texts. In March 2023, it was announced that a few AI tools would be tested by trusted US testers. These testers include small businesses, students, and other professionals. At that time, it was a small group, but with the latest announcement, it has increased to 10 times the previous number of users.

AI testing with US users is called Labs in Google Workspace. Currently, they are testing two major tools. The first is from Google Docs, and the second is from Gmail. More specifically, it creates a job description (in Google Docs) and converts meeting notes into email (in Gmail). Meanwhile, with these AI tools, you can draft and reply in Gmail, rewrite in Docs, analyze in Sheets, and add new backgrounds in Meet. So, let’s take a look at what those features are exactly.

Create quick job descriptions.

Users can create job descriptions using the AI tool in Google Docs. Traditionally, HR professionals face many issues while drafting many job descriptions daily. However, according to Google Workspace, such things can be eliminated with the “Help me” button. To be specific, just tap on the “Help me” button at the bottom of the Google Docs screen, enter your topic, tap on “Create,” and then tap on “Insert” to add that AI-generated description to Docs.

Note that PC users can create job descriptions using AI through the “Help me” button; on mobile, it is through the floating action button. With these four tools, you can customize the job description based on AI. They are formalized (for a formal tone), elaborate (to explain), and shortened (to shorten or summarise), and I’m feeling lucky (to make creative content). Depending on what documents support, you can create other types of content.

Convert meeting notes to email.

Sometimes, when a virtual meeting is conducted, new decisions are made. Following this, minutes (meeting notes) are prepared for each decision. As responsible executives, we need to circulate such decisions or notices through emails to all company members and significant shareholders. As a result, Google added a “Help me write” button to Gmail. This option lets you turn ordinary meeting notes into a formal email.

You need to open your Gmail app, write up or copy the meeting notes there, tap on the “Help me write” button, tap on “Formalise,” and you will see the AI-generated email. When you click “Replace,” you will see an AI-generated email in the compose field. In any case, if you want more customization from the same “Help me write” button, you can use “Elaborate,” “Shorten,” and other tools similar to Docs. Likewise, with Docs, you are not limited to meeting notes; you can create an email on any subject.

Apart from these intelligent AI tools, Google plans to do a lot to ease the user with AI tools. For that, the first phase has already begun testing, including the abovementioned features. But you should note that there are a few more things that Google wants to serve throughout this year. These are given below.

• Ability to draft, reply, summarise, and prioritize your Gmail
• Especially for content creators, proofread, write, and rewrite in Docs.
• Option to create auto-generated images, audio, and video in Slides
• Google Sheets allows in-depth review and analysis using auto-completion, formula generation, and contextual categorization.
• Create optimistic backgrounds and capture notes in Meet.
• Google Chat will offer workflows to organize

This testing program is currently for US-selected users and is testing these two AI tools. Google expanded the number of testers but has yet to confirm when it will be available for global users. But one thing is confirmed: all these AI tools will be available to everyone this year. This is the present status and potential details about the Labs in Workspace Program. It would be interesting to see what Google plans to contribute to the AI era shortly.

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