Google has launched new AI features for its Workspace apps like Docs, Sheets, and Drive, powered by its Gemini assistant. These tools, including "Help me create" for generating full document drafts, are part of a broader industry trend of integrating generative AI into core software, despite some public skepticism.
The features are initially available to English-speaking subscribers of Google's AI Pro and Ultra plans. They leverage user data and web searches to create content, such as drafting itineraries or mimicking the structure of past documents.
A hands-on test found the AI-generated drafts to be quick and functionally solid, particularly for tasks like corporate communications. However, the output was criticized as bland and lacking personal voice, even when instructed to mimic a user's writing style, suggesting limitations for creative expression.
The main topics covered are the launch of new AI features in Google Workspace, the functionality and testing of these features, and an analysis of their output quality and potential implications.