AI Bloat: Google is making a strong push to integrate its Gemini AI across its vast network of internet services. The chatbot is gradually being introduced into various Google products, starting with Gmail, which serves over 1.8 billion users worldwide.
Google introduced the Gemini-based "Help me write" feature to mobile devices in 2023, giving users an easy way to compose or enhance emails. Leveraging Gemini capabilities, Help me write can quickly draft repetitive messages and replies to routine conversations, freeing up time for more complex tasks and detailed emails.
Google is now expanding this feature to the web version of Gmail. In the webmail interface, a new "Help me write" shortcut will appear in empty drafts, building on Gmail's original "smart reply" function to generate more comprehensive (and ideally, error-free) responses with a single click.
If a draft contains more than 12 words, a "Polish" shortcut will also appear, allowing users to refine their existing text. This new Polish option replaces the "Refine my draft" tool previously available on Gmail for mobile devices. Users can further edit the AI-enhanced draft before sending the message.
The new Help me write capabilities will be available for both Gemini for Google Workspace customers and individual users with Gemini AI access. The feature will be enabled by default, according to Google, without specific admin controls through the Workspace service or a simple way to disable it.
The gradual rollout of Help me write is under way and should be completed within a couple of weeks. Android and iOS Gmail apps already have access to the new AI capabilities. Google is also providing additional documentation for both Google Workspace customers and Gmail webmail users.
According to Google's official documentation, Help me write can generate a complete email draft based on a "free form" prompt or refine a previously drafted email. Google explains that Gemini AI can be used to create anything from a polished birthday invitation to a formal introduction for a business contact, ensuring the message is "fully formal" if the main points are already included.