AI tools will help you in the future when working with Gmail, Docs & Co.

Google connects its workspace apps with AI.

Machine learning and AI are extremely helpful tools to make work more productive and efficient. That’s why it was only a matter of time before Google integrated both into workspace tools like Docs, Sheets and Gmail. The corresponding features were officially presented at yesterday’s Google I/O.

“Help me write” generates texts in Gmail and Docs

In Gmail and Docs it will be possible to generate entire texts with prompts. The “Help me Write” tool is able to create entire replies for emails. Relevant information about the context is automatically added.

As an example, Google cites an email that informs us that a booked flight has been cancelled.

With “Help me Write” you can generate a response with a short prompt asking for a refund for the flight in question.

Docs will also have access to the new AI tool. Here, Google shows how to use the short command “Job post for regional sales rep” to generate a detailed job description that can then be edited at will.

“Help me organize” generates tables in sheets

With the help of “Help me organize”, analyzing and processing data in Google Sheets becomes faster and easier. The tool can recognize the contents of cells and automatically give them an appropriate label, which can save you a lot of time.

When you describe a project or task, Sheets automatically creates a suitable plan to organize the work.

»Help me visualize« generates images in slides

In the future, you will be able to save time in slides by generating images. As in other AI image generators, a few words are enough to create images directly in the app that are intended to decorate your presentation.

Maps becomes more immersive

Google Maps is expanding its Immersive View feature, which uses artificial intelligence to create high-resolution 3D views of places. Previously, the feature allowed you to pre-explore locations before visiting them.

Now it is also used to show users the entire itinerary. For example, if you want to ride a bike in New York City, you can use Immersive View for routes to see the entire route in advance.

In addition, you can also view information on air quality, traffic and weather. The feature will roll out in the summer and be in by the end of the year 15 cities such as London, New York, Tokyo and San Francisco.

Google Photos is complemented with Magic Editor

Google’s gallery app also gets a pinch of AI. Since its launch in 2015, it has used machine learning to search and sort photos by objects like people, sunsets, or waterfalls.

With the already available AI function “Magic Eraser” disturbing elements can be removed from a photo. This is now joined by the »Magic Editor«. This combines existing technology with generative AI, which enables the app to add missing parts of an image or replace backgrounds.

The Magic Editor is scheduled for release later this year.

Generate custom backgrounds for Google Meet

In the future, unique backgrounds for video calls can be generated in Google Meet. This is to help give each call a personal touch while protecting privacy.

The new AI capabilities for Google Workspace will be released for testing in Google Labs in the coming weeks. You can currently register for a waiting list, which is currently only available indirectly for German users.

You can find more information about this here:

Google assures that the new tools should only be a tool for its users and cannot replace their work. What do you think? What do you think about Google integrating AI tools into the workspace? Are you looking forward to the new features and which of them appeals to you the most? Tell us in the comments!