Gmail Gets Gemini AI-Powered Contextual Smart Replies: How It Changes Email Conversations
Google is introducing a new AI-powered feature in Gmail known as contextual smart replies. This advanced feature allows users to promptly respond to incoming emails with detailed and tailored replies. Unlike the traditional Smart Reply feature introduced in 2017, the contextual smart replies use artificial intelligence to understand the context of the email and provide more comprehensive responses.
What to Expect from Contextual Smart Replies in Gmail
After initiating an email reply, Gmail users will now see multiple reply suggestions at the bottom of their screen. These suggestions are based on the entire email thread and are displayed in a carousel format. Each response suggestion comes with a unique tone and theme, allowing users to choose the most suitable one. By long-pressing on a reply suggestion, users can preview the initial content before selecting it. Once a reply is chosen, the AI tool will generate a full response, complete with a greeting, closing, multiple paragraphs, and relevant information requested by the sender. Users also have the flexibility to edit the response further before sending it.
Availability and Usage
The contextual Smart Replies feature is currently exclusive to Google Workspace users. To access this feature, users must have the "Smart features and personalisation" option enabled in Gmail. This feature is available for Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium, and Google One AI Premium subscribers on both Android and iOS platforms. It is essential to note that the feature currently supports the English language only.
Google's Evolution in Email Responses
In 2017, Google introduced the Smart Reply feature in Gmail, which used machine learning to suggest brief, one-liner responses to emails. With the new contextual smart replies powered by Gemini, Google aims to elevate user experience by offering more detailed responses that are contextual and relevant to the email conversation.
As Google continues to innovate and enhance its Gmail app with AI features, users can expect more efficient and personalised email interactions in the future.
