Google Chrome is introducing a new AI writing tool today. This tool, powered by one of Google’s latest Gemini AI models, is essentially an extension of the existing “Help me write” feature found in Gmail, now available across the entire web. Initially announced by the company in January, this tool remains in its experimental phase, requiring users to explicitly enable it.
To begin using the AI writing feature, navigate to the Chrome settings menu and locate the ‘Experimental AI’ page. From there, you can easily activate the new writing tool, along with Google’s automatic tab organizer (which may not be particularly useful or intuitive yet) and the new Chrome theme manager. Currently, the AI writer is accessible only in English on Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. Once enabled, simply right-click on any text field and select ‘Help me write.’ This feature allows users to compose entirely new text and also allows Gemini to rewrite existing content.
Gemini Advanced subscribers will not gain access to an enhanced writing model through this new tool, according to a Google spokesperson. The tool is primarily designed for short-form content such as emails or support requests, where a larger model may not necessarily offer significant benefits.
An interesting aspect of this tool is its ability to consider the webpage context when making recommendations. Adriana Porter Felt, Google’s engineering director, elaborates in the latest announcement that “The tool will grasp the context of the webpage you’re currently visiting to propose relevant content.” For example, when writing a review for a pair of running shoes, Chrome will extract key features from the product page to support your recommendation, enhancing its value to potential shoppers.
Similar to the ‘Help me write’ feature in Gmail, users can easily adjust the length and tone of the results to suit their preferences.
It’s crucial to recognize that when using the service, the text, content, and URL of the page are transmitted to Google under its current privacy policy. Google specifies that this data “is utilized to enhance this feature, encompassing generative model research and machine learning technologies,” which involves a review process involving human oversight. Writer, beware.
