Google has recently upgraded its Gemini AI writing tools, introducing features that promise to make your emails smarter and more polished. This update aims to streamline the often time-consuming task of email drafting, particularly for business communication.
From “Help Me Write” to “Polish”
Previously, Google’s “Help Me Write” feature allowed users to generate emails with options like Formalize, Elaborate, and Shorten. These tools help users craft professional emails quickly, tailoring the tone and length to suit different needs.
However, with the introduction of the new “Polish” option, Google is taking email drafting to the next level.
The “Polish” feature refines your rough notes, transforming them into formal, well-structured emails. Whether it’s an important business communication or a follow-up message, “Polish” ensures your emails come across as professional and clear. This tool is particularly beneficial for those who may struggle with wording or simply want to save time on edits.
Who Can Use the Polish Feature?
Not everyone can access this new feature, as it’s currently limited to users with specific Google Workspace add-ons. These include the Gemini Business and Enterprise editions or the Google One AI Premium subscription. For those eligible, the feature is activated by default and available across both web and mobile platforms.
This targeted release ensures that businesses and professionals who rely on email for critical communication have access to the most advanced tools for crafting their messages.
AI in Personal Communication
While the “Polish” feature and other AI-driven tools offer significant benefits for business communication, there’s a growing conversation around the appropriateness of AI in personal messages. An example of this controversy emerged recently during the Paris Olympics.
Google aired an advertisement where a father mentioned that his daughter used AI to write a note to her favorite athlete. The ad sparked backlash, with critics arguing that using AI for such a personal expression felt impersonal and out of touch. Google eventually pulled the ad in response to the negative feedback.
This incident highlights a key consideration for AI in communication: while it can enhance efficiency and clarity in business contexts, personal messages might lose their warmth and authenticity when automated.
The Gemini AI Legacy: Competing with the Giants
Google’s Gemini AI, launched in March 2023 and formerly known as Bard, is Google’s answer to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. With its advanced language processing capabilities, Gemini has quickly become a valuable tool for businesses looking to streamline communication, generate content, and improve productivity.
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However, users should remain cautious, as even advanced AI tools like Gemini can “hallucinate” or generate inaccurate or misleading content.
This reminder serves as a cautionary note for those relying on AI for important communications. While these tools can significantly reduce the time and effort required to draft emails, they are not infallible and should be used with care.
No More Overthinking Emails
For many professionals, drafting emails can be a source of anxiety, especially when clarity and tone are crucial. With the new “Polish” feature, Google Gemini offers a solution that not only enhances the quality of emails but also reduces the mental load associated with crafting the perfect message.
In a world where communication is key, tools like Google Gemini’s “Polish” are paving the way for more efficient and effective business correspondence. However, as with all technology, it’s important to balance the convenience of AI with the need for genuine human connection, especially in personal communications.
So, is this the end of overthinking every email before hitting send? For business communication, it just might be.
