Gmail is beta testing a new voice input feature for drafting emails, aiming to streamline workflow and enhance convenience for users. The current Help Me Write feature in Gmail allows users to generate email drafts through text prompts. However, Google is now working on incorporating voice input into the app, enabling users to draft emails by simply speaking to their Android device.
The voice command option was discovered by a tinkerer who activated it using a hidden flag in the Gmail app. While it is unclear when this feature will be available to all users, eligible users can already access Workspace Labs and the Help Me Write feature. However, these current features do not include voice input.
Gmail already offers AI-based features that facilitate quick email drafting, including in-line suggestions and AI-generated prompts. The Help Me Write feature, introduced last year as part of Google’s Workspace apps, enables users to draft emails using written prompts. Though it is available on both the web and Android app, users are required to type out their requests.
AssembleDebug, a prolific tinkerer, recently discovered a new way to interact with the Help Me Write feature in Gmail. Instead of typing a prompt, users will be able to use their voice to instruct Gmail on the content of their email. Screenshots of the feature show a Draft email with voice button above the keyboard, allowing users to speak their query and have Gmail generate a draft accordingly.
It is important to note that Workspace Labs has limited availability, currently accessible only to select users in a few countries who have US English set as their preferred language. These users can try out various features, including Help Me Write. However, it is essential to be mindful that while data is secure with Gmail for businesses, Google may utilize prompts and AI-generated text to improve its models.
Help Me Write is part of Google Duet AI, which is offered at an additional monthly fee to Workspace users. Apart from Gmail, this feature can be utilized for document creation in Google Docs, data analysis in Sheets, and image generation in Slides.
In conclusion, Gmail is planning to introduce voice input capabilities to its Help Me Write feature, allowing users to create email drafts by speaking commands. Although the feature is currently under beta testing and not accessible to all users, it aims to enhance the convenience and efficiency of email drafting in Gmail.
