Big Tech giants Microsoft and Google will both announce plans this week to bring artificial intelligence (AI) to the office as they race to incorporate the new technology.
Key Details
- Google announced new business tools that harness the power of generative AI by synthesizing company data.
- The company also gave a sneak peek into how its productivity suite, Google Workspace, will use AI to perform tasks such as writing e-mails and composing marketing information.
- In Google’s announcement, the company shared that a user can type in the desired topic and Google’s AI can generate the document. The company modeled the new feature by typing in “job post for a regional sales rep.” The AI then generated an entire job posting that the user can then edit and personalize to reflect personal style.
- Later this week, Microsoft is expected to announce new AI tools during its customer event, Axios reports.
- Microsoft is expected to announce generative AI tools in Office apps such as Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.
Why it’s news
In the AI boom, companies are rushing to show customers they have the best AI applications and most innovative new tools. However, some worry that the emphasis on quickly releasing new products could force companies to rush projects without proper testing.
AI has potential downsides, such as unintended bias being programmed into the AI and the ability to share misinformation or make mistakes. Tech companies are attempting to find a difficult balance between showing customers they have the latest and greatest technology while also ensuring the technology is safe and functional.
The timing of Google’s AI announcement is evidence of this cut-throat competition. Shortly after Microsoft announced its customer event last week, Google planned its news briefing, just a few days before Microsoft’s scheduled announcement.
Last month, before Microsoft could share its intention to add generative-AI technology to search engine Bing and internet browser Edge, Google announced its own AI-powered chatbot—Bard. Google then announced its plans to implement generative AI in its search engine, Axios reports.
Both companies release new technology to a small group of customers before releasing it to the broader public so that the company can test new products for bugs. However, some worry that even this safeguard may fall away if it means greater potential revenue.
One user shared his experience with AI-infused gmail here on TikTok.
