Google has integrated AI based upon machine learning into many of its products. The technology is so ubiquitous, embedded in many of the products that you use, you might not even notice its AI.
In the Future of Work track at the ITEXPO in Fort Lauderdale, FL, on Feb. 13, Whitley Talmadge, Google cloud customer engineer, discussed the various ways Google employs AI technology to improve its products. Her presentation was titled, “How G Suite Uses ML to Improve User Experience.”
First, Talmadge defined the productivity problems we face at work. “Where do you waste time?” she asked. Her answers were:
- Administrative overhead. Formatting, searching and scheduling are drains.
- Unfruitful communication. Using multiple, non-integrated tools repeatedly.
- Unproductive meetings. Add in unproductive emails, too.
- Video consumption. Who hasn’t watched a video or two at their desk?
Next, she laid out the obvious follow-up question. “Where should you be spending your time?” she asked. Her answers were:
- Meaningful research and analysis. Often lost in the scramble to produce.
- Ideation production. You need tools to help you keep track of your ideas.
- Productive communication. Such as scheduled discussions with colleagues.
- Video consumption. You have to take a break sometime.
Google’s place is to supply the tools we need to increase productivity. “All of this hopefully leads to a more fulfilling work experience, “Talmadge says.
How G Suite Uses AI: Mail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Calendar and Hangouts
For instance, the AI-powered spam deletion filter in Gmail prevents more than 10 million unwanted spam messages from arriving in Gmailboxes every minute.
For instance, Explore in Docs “helps foster an environment where info isn’t siloed
- Gmail. Leverages AI for Spam Deletion, which is a godsend; Smart Reply, which provides response suggestions; and Smart Compose, which auto completes your emails with predictive texts based upon your activity.
- Docs, Sheets and Slides. Employs AI to Explore, which discovers information in the network; Proactive Security, which promulgates access control; and Spelling and Grammar, one of the signal uses of AI.
- Drive. Uses AI for Quick Access, which watches your use patterns and predicts your needs; Priority Page, which provides suggestions derived from your activity; and Workspaces, which groups together related content.
- Calendar and Hangouts. Tasks AI to suggest meeting participants; set meeting schedules; integrate scheduling between Calendar and Hangouts; and employ voice commands to begin meetings.
At Google, they use AI and machine learning to save time and work smarter. Talmadge says the technologies should be accessible to everyone. “G Suite puts it into action” she says.
Edited by
Maurice Nagle
