What you should know
- Google is planning to add a new feature to its Gmail app, “Help me write”, which uses AI to help users draft emails using their voice.
- Unlike existing voice dictation features, this new functionality will take a spoken prompt from the user and craft the email for them.
- The new feature is currently being tested in Google’s Workspace Labs program, which allows a small group of users to try out new features before they are rolled out to the general public.
- Users can sign up for the Workspace Labs program to potentially get early access to the “Help me write” feature, but there is no guarantee of selection.
Full Story
So, last year, Google decided to jazz things up a bit. They announced a new feature for their Gmail app called “Help me write”. This feature was all about bringing a bit of AI magic to your email writing. But guess what? Google isn’t done with the surprises just yet.
TheSpAndroid (as reported by Android Authority) spilled the beans about an upcoming addition to the “Help me write” feature. This new option will let you use your voice to draft an email. Or, you can even tell the AI what to write. Cool, right?
You just have to speak out the prompt. The Gmail AI then takes it from there and writes that email for you. “But I can already draft with my voice,” you might say. Well, this new functionality is a bit different. Instead of you dictating the text, the AI takes your prompt and crafts the email.
Here’s how it works. When you start typing a new email or replying to one, a voice typing setup pops up with a big mic button. Tap it, start talking, and your prompt shows up above the recording button. Once you’re done, hit “Create”. And there you have it – Gmail crafts an email for you using its AI.
Changed your mind about the recording? No problem. There’s a “Draft email with voice” button waiting at the bottom left of the email.
As for when this new option will be added to the Gmail app, that’s still up in the air. It might hit the Workspace Labs users first before it goes mainstream. At the moment, the “Help me write” feature is available in the Workspace Labs.
What’s Workspace Labs, you ask? It’s a program that lets Google test new features with a small group of users before rolling them out to everyone.
If you want to try the “Help me write” feature, you can sign up for the Workspace Labs program. But it’s only available in US English. And, there’s no guarantee you’ll be selected to participate.
If you’re still interested, here’s how to sign up for the Workspace Labs program:
1. Go to the Gmail Workspace Labs page.
2. Click the “Get early access” button.
3. Sign in to your Google account.
4. Select the features that you are interested in trying out.
5. Click the “Submit” button.
You’ll get an email notification if you’re selected to participate in the Workspace Labs program.
